Alcohol marketers, backed by libertarian ideologies, argue that they only are selling what the public wants to buy. Next thing, the industries sneer, the government will ban sky diving and skiing. Consumer activists respond that consumers are subject to persuasive advertising, appeals to motives of which they are unaware or are unable to control. And above all, when it comes to addictive products, they often do not understand how difficult it is to break the habit once it is acquired. Such debates, though, rarely win these days in the public arena.
Children are another matter.
Children, even libertarians acknowledge, are not yet formed persons. They are not able to make reasoned choices and they clearly need protection. Activists also find that it is a good year for children. Joe Camel has received his own death sentence. Parents learned this week that they will get tax credits for their children.