Tobacco.org

EDITORIAL: Golden Leaf 

(Sunday's Commentary section will feature columns from two tobacco companies with strong local ties -- and different perspectives on the regulation bill.)

On the other hand, we remain squeamish about all heavy-handed regulation that restricts free speech, including commercial speech. Because limits on tobacco advertising are widely accepted and have been in place for decades, the actual damage will be minimal. Still, it's always worth protesting whenever the First Amendment takes a beating -- especially if free speech is under assault for the noblest of intentions.

We'll also note that tight regulation often brings even more joy to corporate executives than it does to reformers. As a general rule, government restrictions tend to squelch competition and benefit the biggest players in the market. Whether that will be the case with FDA oversight of tobacco remains to be seen. But we wouldn't be surprised if that happens. We'll take some consolation from the likelihood that Richmond's own Philip Morris USA could well be the biggest beneficiary.

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