So this is a good day for the cause of public health and our children in America. But all of President Clinton s shoulds were clear long before Philip Morris decided to come clean. President Clinton wrongly focuses on what tobacco companies, not what federal and state initiatives or even public health authorities, should do to discourage youth smoking. With the latest federal lawsuit in motion against the industry, billions might be added to the pot. Yet, despite all the fanfare about protecting our children, only a sliver of these winnings will be devoted to reducing youth smoking.
Big government is in partnership with big tobacco.
As long as America remains reliant on precious tobacco revenue, the incentive for states or Congress to significantly curb tobacco use is weakened. They are sure to fall just short enough to protect their, and our, profits. The token gestures of politicians and Philip Morris are reminiscent of a World Wrestling Federation match. It looks like federal and state officials have the tobacco companies in a headlock. And public health groups are standing on the sidelines waiting for the referee to call the winner.