Times haven't changed much, except now the 'high level officials' reside in our local city councils, county commissions, and state legislatures. Writing laws that make 'criminals' out of citizens partaking of legal product consumption...IE. smoking bans; while providing cover for the dubious funding sources (Nicoderm, Nicotrol, Nicorette interests) who promote anti-tobacco policies (smoking bans). ...AKA rent seeking legislation.
The real hazard in these rent seeking laws, paraded as 'moral, health initiatives' lies in the economic damage they cause.... leaving higher unemployment, business and personal losses in their wake.
The local police don't seem to be the source of corruption now...this time the criminals (RWJF/ J&J / Nicoderm profiteers) have moved up the food chain to influence (fund?) our politicians and legislators directly.
How long will it be before we wake up to the damages caused by pharmaceutical interests acting as puppeteers to our local politicians? It's hard to say, perhaps local St. Paul politician / council member Dave Thune could shed some light....