I'm still a registered Republican, but I have to admit a certain shame when I say that because of some Republican behavior on tobacco legislation. But we have to admit that it was the Republican Party that defeated the McCain tobacco bill in the Senate and that prevented the Hansen bill from even being discussed in the House. As a Republican, I find it hard to understand why the Republican Party has been so opposed to comprehensive tobacco legislation. They say that they are against drugs, but tobacco contains a dangerous addictive drug, perhaps the most addictive of them all, and that is also a gateway drug to the others that give them so much concern. They claim to be pro-life.
Tobacco causes spontaneous abortion, prematurity and low birth weight.
In addition to the 430,700 tobacco-related deaths last year, we know that that year also probably saw between tens of thousands and 100,000 newborn babies die before birth. New data also shows that permanent fetal brain damage and disabilities are caused by tobacco, such as disabilities such as attention deficit syndrome, hyperactivity and so on. The GOP says it is for protecting children. But they must not think that preventing the addiction of children to a life of bondage to tobacco and premature death comes under the category of child protection. And finally, Republicans are, of course, pro-family.