in every totalitarian regime’ in the world. Even in the novel, 1984, Victory Cigarettes were allowed in the ultra-totalitarian nightmare continuously watched over by Big Brother. It seems ridiculous that in a free country such as Canada, we want to take away smokers’ rights to smoke in their private rooms, in deserted corridors, or in the washrooms. We should keep in mind that a university is an educational institution, and not a military boot camp.

How will the UPEI administra- tion police and enforce a total ban on smoking on UPEI premises? In the future will there be a ques- tion on the UPEI application form asking whether or not the applicant smokes? If the applicant says yes, will he be automatically rejected? It may happen that on the acceptance form to UPEI there will be a legal clause stating that the university will expel the student if he inisists on smoking on university premises.

At present, we have regulations which allow professors and staff to ask students to leave the class- room or certain sections of the library if the students smoke. If the total ban on smoking is al-

Join or Die!

On the Smoking Ban

lowed to pass, what will UPEI do when the students smoke in the corridors, lounges, washrooms, and dormitory rooms or anywhere on the grounds? Who will watch these students, and what kind of pena ‘ies will there be? ‘Vill marks be taken away, transcipts and diplomas be withheld, or students be expelled outright? We should remember that cigarettes are not handguns and smokers are not AIDS patients. How can we justify taking such discriminatory action against those students who refuse to quit smoking?

On the surface, the ban on smoking may appear harmless and” well-intentioned. However, it may be a first step towards the police state instigated by special interest groups. The smoking ban indeed is an affront to basic human rights. Anyone who truly cares about humanity and worries about the possibility of a totali- tarian state should not support the ban on cigarette smoking at UPEI without grave concern. There is nothing more destructive to human aspirations than the narrow-minded, self-righteous in- tolerance towards the rights of fellow human beings.

LOADERS

will be required for various

events throughtout the

year. Help us load-in the bands in the afternoon and get into the Main Event for FREE! If you are interested, please drop into the Student

Union Offices and see Holly Good.