Monday, June 22, 2009

It's About Time Government Controls Tobacco, Not Behavior!

So I've been biding my time on expressing an opinion about the smoking bans which seem to be fashionable these days. Believe it or not, I have mixed feelings about them. On the one hand, I can see the health benefit for non-smokers. On the other hand, I do NOT like to see government using law to eradicate personal choices.

Government is finally doing what should've been done years ago: regulate the tobacco industry. Obama has signed legislation to give the FDA sweeping power over it. It's about time government takes that type of action. Now that's the way to go. Confront smoking by dealing with the source, not by legislating behavior.

This whole situation reminds me of advertising I've seen in Mexico. Yes, in Mexico. Look around and you will find posters on bus stops that essentially say, "smoking will kill you." No beating around the bush there like we do in the States: "smoking may be harmful to your health" indeed.

Reuters Article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE55I4TG20090622

Legislation Fact Sheet:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Fact-sheet-and-expected-attendees-for-todays-Rose-Garden-bill-signing/

2 comments:

Laurie G said...

Part of the reason why it has taken so long to regulate the tobacco industry, is because there was money to be made by the government.

For example, "sin taxes" where a way for state & local governments to add revenue.

Politically, there are public officials in years past that were supported by donations to their campaigns by the tobacco owners.

So behavior is being changed....the behavior of the government's relationship with tobacco.

And it is about time!

ramblerQMT said...

When Steve and I have discussed this particular issue we both have agreed that governmnet has been making money on tobacco. Still begs the question where all that money REALLY goes.. ;)

Thanks for reminding me about the context of sin taxes. I heard about that somewhere.. I'm just glad that the change in relationship between government and tobacco!

 
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