Jump to full article: New York Daily News, 2009-06-26
Author: Dave Moore / Bill Manville
Intro: BILL: One result of our “War on Drugs” is the U.S. has the highest jail rate in the world. And now, thanks to the new anti-tobacco laws just signed by President Obama amid a lot of fanfare about his own nicotine struggles, cigarette smokers are the next drug outlaws. Are we about to see cops on the 6 o’ clock news, writing “smoking in public” citations? Drug Enforcement Agents transferred from the Mexican border to the lawless wilderness of the Virginian tobacco fields?
DR. DAVE: Since I know you never went in for cigarettes or pot, why are you are so worked up about this, Bill?
BILL: Alcohol is at least as harmful as either cigarettes or marijuana, but just as Prohibition didn’t stop people drinking, these puritanical anti-cigarette laws are going to get more kids smoking than ever.
DR. DAVE: And the evidence on which you base this no doubt scientific observation is? . . .
BILL: Dave, I’m embarrassed to ask this. Would you recommend Obama try nicotine replacements - for instance, Nicorette gum?
DR. DAVE: Bill, aren’t you being a bit puritanical yourself? If Nicorette works, sure, why not? I’d also recommend that he no longer share his story with the public until he has gone the last 5% into tobacco cessation.
BILL: I have to say amen to that. You know, Dave, I wish you didn’t always win these arguments!
Jump to full article » |