The case quite possibly could be overturned on appeal, leaving grieving Florida families with nothing. Courts have tossed out similar class-action suits. And as with many previous fights against the tobacco industry, there is a wide gulf that separates identifying damaging industry practices and correcting them. Congress has the power to grant the FDA clear title in this area, but so far it has been unwilling to turn against a major campaign benefactor. The Justice department can continue to pursue its own litigation, seeking recovery of Medicare costs imposed by cigarettes that could also push cigarette prices up and discourage smoking.
States can stop squandering their settlement victory.
Only a handful of states are using their tobacco windfall to fund meaningful tobacco control efforts. The Florida verdict shows clearly why a concerted, aggressive campaign is vital to protecting young people from addiction. In the end, however, this new attitude won't amount to much unless meaningful reforms are enacted. That is where the real work lies.