Tobacco Daily News Summaries
Thursday, 9/23/99
[continued from Index page back]
Reaction to the news of the Justice
Department's lawsuit has been strong from all sides. A
consistent theme from opponents of the suit is that it is "politically
motivated." These critics need to be reminded that the decision to sue
wasn't made until after 35 years of trying to find other ways to alleviate
the problem. The tobacco industry has done everything in its power to stop
tobacco control legislation at the local, state and federal levels. The
voluntary "anti-smoking" programs they've created have been shown to be
shams over and over again. They have found ways to circumvent attempts to
restrict the advertising and marketing of their products and to cast doubt
on any health information the government has made public.
Regardless of the motivation of the lawsuit, it is clear that it is an
important political issue involving Congress (which will decide whether or
not to appropriate funds for the suit) and the next President (who will
decide whether or not the suit should progress.) It is likely, therefore,
that the lawsuit will be an important issue in next year's election
campaigns. Advocates should waste no time in demanding that candidates for
House and Senate seats and the Presidency make clear whether or not they
intend to support this lawsuit. Candidates who will not support it -- or who
avoid giving a clear answer -- should explain what other course they will
support to reduce tobacco-related problems.
