As those cases went forward, industry claims that the state suits lacked merit were proven false. In light of that history, current industry claims that the federal suit lacks merit have no credibility. The most implausible of all the industry s assertions is their claim that the federal lawsuit is an assault not only on cigarette manufacturers, but on every legitimate business enterprise in the country. Contrary to this claim, the facts against the tobacco companies are truly unique. No other industry has so vociferously denied the addictiveness of its product in the face of overwhelming evidence.
Medical experts say nicotine it is more addictive than heroin or cocaine.
No other industry has chemically altered its product to make it even more addictive, while publicly denying that it was addictive at all. No other industry has conspired over decades to market its addictive product to children in violation of the laws of nearly every state. The tobacco industry s claim that it is no different from other legal industries is only the latest in its long history of deceptions. No other industry presents such a shameful forty year track record of unlawful behavior. Cigarettes are uniquely lethal and the conduct of the tobacco industry has been singularly unscrupulous.