BE THAT AS IT MAY
By WHIM WHAM The words ‘Smoking can endanger health’ are to be changed to ‘Smoking may endanger your health’ on cigarette packets. . . A Health Department spokesman could not explain why lean’ will be changed to ‘may’.—News. Take note, Sir. When I say CAN, I don't mean MAY. Either Word being glossable As an Indication of the Possible, There are Shades, Nuances Of which the Significance is (Or MAY or CAN be) important - One oughtn't To be careless how one plays With one s CANS and MAYS. E.g. I CAN light that Cigarette But I MAY not, or not just yet - But if I (or the Law) say No, You MAY NOT go Past this Point, it s forbidden! The Meaning’s not hidden. Yet if Yow say to Me, ‘You MAY not agree’, You mean I CAN, if I refuse to It’s because I don't choose to; I MAY not, there's no Need to add, I'd be mad! Knowing Smoking CAN harm You MAY somewhat alarm You — Will you give It away When you’re told that It MAY’? CAN there be a subtle Shade Of Menace in the MAY, if you’re made More afraid —? ’ Of course, we mustn’t ENDANGER tiie Trade, It s a big Step still From the MAY’ or the CAN — to the WILL!
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Press, 30 May 1981, Page 14
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220BE THAT AS IT MAY Press, 30 May 1981, Page 14
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