By now most of us are aware that our Federal Government is about to hand over regulation of tobacco products to the FDA. This “feel good” legislation is officially known as “The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act”. I could certainly think of many other more appropriate names for it.
My opinion of this “feel good” FDA regulation is not favorable, for multiple reasons:
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It essentially brings Philip Morris one step closer to having a monopoly on tobacco products. Philip Morris fully supports this legislation, whereas other tobacco companies do not. Read more on this here.
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It tarnishes the name of the FDA. The FDA is supposed to give the green light on on pharmaceutical and edible products, essentially saying they’re okay for human consumption. Tobacco products have been fairly conclusively proven to be harmful in many aspects. The FDA taking control of regulating tobacco products essentially gives the products a virtual “seal of approval”. In fact, the head of the FDA opposes this legislation.
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It further restricts freedom of speech. The first amendment to the US Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This legislation will further restrict advertising by tobacco companies. Although many people are okay with censorship of advertising, it still erodes at the right of free speech.
Although I could go into great depth about other reasons I don’t agree with this legislation, I will simply allow you to watch Congressman Dr. Ron Paul of Texas explain his concerns. If we use history as a learning tool, I would have to wholeheartedly agree with his comments regarding prohibition.
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