Many a true word said in jest

Further to the post below, a friend has reminded me of this classic clip from Yes, Prime Minister.

Comments

[chas]

Surely you're implying that surveys are really done like that? As you say, 'many a true word is spoken in jest'.

[chas]

From the Forces Int web site
Ask questions of the kids, of course!

Don’t laugh, yet. Read the questions first – and remember that they were asked of non-smoking persons. Can we say leading, what do you think?... This is the passive smoking “science”, folks!

"Do you find it difficult not to smoke in places where it is not allowed (at a movie theatre, at home if your parents don't know you smoke)?"
"How physically addicted to smoking cigarettes are you?"
"How mentally addicted to smoking cigarettes are you?"
"How often do you have cravings to smoke cigarettes?"
"How often have you felt like you really need a cigarette?"
"When you see other kids your age smoking cigarettes, how easy is it for you not to smoke?"
"[Do you] sometimes have strong cravings for cigarettes where it feels like [you are] in the grip of a force that [you] cannot control?"
“Answering ‘yes’ or ‘sometimes’ to any one of these questions yes puts you into the addicted category for the analysis upon which the authors based their conclusions”, Siegel continues. (emphasis added)

[Martin V]

Gosh, Chas -

Looking at those questions, I've suddenly realised that I've been 'addicted' to Sex, Food, Alcohol, Swimming, Chocolate, Sunshine, and Fresh Air since I was at least 16 years old.

Now I AM worried...........................

[Basil Brown]

I'm addicted to wearing long trousers. With all the associated health-risks that entails: lack of sunlight may affect only my own health, but I'll still expect the taxpayer to pick up the tab should my self-inflicted Vitamin D deficiency have negative long-term consequences. And what about all that dust which accumulates in the fabric only to be released as I walk around, for all those other poor suckers to breathe?

God, I'm selfish. Putting my own dignity and comfort before my own health and the health of those around me.

Something Must Be Done!