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EDITORIAL: Beyond the smoke 

What other product, for instance, does the government regulate - and, by extension, approve - that kills when used as directed?

And what other highly addictive drug does the FDA allow to be dispensed without a prescription?

To what extent, it must be asked, will the FDA regulate tobacco? To a logical, scientific extent? Or to a lesser, political extent?

Let's look at each path. . . .

Tobacco companies have, for decades, cowered behind the protection of the surgeon general's warning, albeit while quietly pooh-poohing it. Now, they'll get more government regulation, but added government protection with it: the FDA's eyes-wide-shut stamp of approval.

The irony is that, by regulating tobacco more fully - but not fully - the government might also be taking over much more of the responsibility for it.

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