Teen Smoking
Re “Kids Targeted in GOP Tobacco Bill,” June 26: Teen smoking is “one of those rites of passage,” a statement made by none other than heavy-smoking lawmaker Rep. John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), adds to the problem of tobacco availability to youth and a rise in teen smoking.
Lawmakers are largely responsible for the health and safety of our children and families, by writing and voting in laws that will affect them. Because so many teens have access to tobacco, merchants should be licensed to sell tobacco products. Licensing would increase compliance to tobacco laws and reduce the availability of tobacco to minors. The merchants and money-grubbing tobacco moguls should be held accountable, not just teens.
ARIELA GUTIERREZ
Irvine
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