Jump to full article: Raleigh (NC) News & Observer, 2008-04-06
Author: Michael Schwalbe
Intro: Philip Morris' support reflects its beliefs that regulation would not threaten its dominant share of the market and that regulation would put a heavier burden on its competitors. Philip Morris also uses menthol flavoring not banned by the legislation, while R.J. Reynolds uses the kid-catching candy flavorings the legislation forbids.
Both of North Carolina's senators, Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole, recipients of a combined $132,700 in contributions from Reynolds over the last five years ($21,500 for Dole, $111,200 for Burr), oppose the bill. In doing so, they may serve the interests of one segment of the tobacco industry, but they fail to represent the views of most North Carolinians.
National polls show that two-thirds of Americans favor FDA regulation of tobacco. . . .
FDA authority to regulate tobacco would help reduce these costs.
Some of North Carolina's elected leaders agree (U.S. Rep. David Price co-sponsored the bill). Others are still in thrall to corporate interests that put profits ahead of public health. Urging our representatives in Congress to support FDA regulation of tobacco products is a way to tell them that it's time for change, even in tobacco country.
(Michael Schwalbe is a professor of sociology at N.C. State University. He is writing a book about people whose lives have been changed by tobacco-related disease.)
Jump to full article » |