Big Tobacco is the Big Loser in the most recent round of this high-stakes children s game. Philip Morris has vowed to immediately appeal the ruling, and in all likelihood the verdict will be overturned, as all five companies would be bankrupted if forced to pay the amount decided upon by the jury. However, the issue is not the amount the companies have been ordered to pay. The issue is that they were found liable at all. Tobacco companies are not the cause of the health problems that the plaintiffs face.
Smokers know the risks of their habit when they start.
There are warning labels on every package, and no shortage of public service announcements making sure that everyone receives the message. Tobacco users make an informed decision when they buy tobacco products. They simply choose tobacco over good health. That they have triedand succeededto place the blame on an industry that simply gave them what they asked for is a testament to the lack of personal responsibility that this country faces today. All over the United States we see fingers pointing, day after day.