FDA Regulation of Tobacco
Re “U.S. Judge OKs FDA’s Power to Regulate Tobacco,” April 26: We ought to admire the tobacco companies for their ability to steer debate away from focal issues. We argue about freedom of speech issues, targeting children and the right of individuals to smoke because they have steered us away from regulating the nicotine content of cigarettes. Research shows that nicotine is addictive, yet we see Joe Camel as the source of the rising level of teenage smoking. Smoking a foul-tasting, nasty smelling cigarette is not so cool that children would be unable to stop, despite Joe Camel and peer pressure, if it were not addictive.
It should appall us that the tobacco companies argued before the court that nicotine is not a drug subject to regulation because it provided no (medical) benefits to the user. Roll that logic around in your mind for a few minutes.
FRANCIS N. EASTMAN
Costa Mesa
It is not enough to regulate tobacco as a drug. The executives who conspired to seduce (does this allow “choice”?) millions should be punished as drug dealers as well as perjurers. They should not escape liability for their engineered holocaust just because they’re rich and wear suits. Their crimes are worse than those of street corner hustlers who at least are honest in their trade.
BARBARA SNADER
Los Angeles
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