Verdict Against Tobacco Firm

In the wake of the recent judgment against the tobacco industry for liability in the death of a cigarette smoker, I find myself mystified by what appears to be myriad hypocrisy on the part of the government of the United States. My ire and cynicism were aroused by comments and rhetoric espoused by Congressman Henry Waxman on a radio talk-show program. In the course of that interview, Waxman applauded the legally vulnerable outcome of the Liggett case and proceeded to describe the noble efforts being proposed by Congress to legislate a total ban on the advertising of cigarettes in all media.

The true message being broadcast by Waxman mushroomed far beyond his political rhetoric. Congress has once again failed to represent the interests of the American people and by its many years of inaction, it trails behind the courts in making law and policy beneficial to the American public. They have, yet again, delegated their constitutional responsibility to the court system in order to escape the economic consequences wielded by such powerful special interests as the tobacco industry.

Congress has yet to display the moral fortitude to submit legislation ending subsidies to the tobacco industry. It is unconscionable that our elected representatives, while making speeches against drug and tobacco use, should prop up an industry that contributes to the deaths of thousands each year.

It should be suggested that future litigants bringing action against the tobacco industry consider naming as cross-defendants the Congress of the United States. If liability be justly divided, let Congress stand before the bench. Possibly then, rhetoric will be separated from action, and our legislators will be forced to assume their responsibility of leadership, which they have so timidly abandoned.

DAVID L. ASHER

Lakewood