Jump to full article: Cedar Rapids (IA) Gazette, 2008-08-19
Intro: In essence, the bill is another large-scale effort by the federal government to tell us something we already know too well -- that smoking kills hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.
But in this case, we're simply not convinced it's necessary to grow the size of the federal government to deliver that warning.
For one thing, no amount of FDA regulation will change the fact that cigarettes, though deadly, even when used properly, still are a legal product for adult use.
And we'd much rather see the FDA spend its time, talents and resources concentrating on current, pressing issues . . .
We also question the value of the bill, even if it works as advertised, given that it contains a massive loophole for tobacco companies. . . .
We believe the Senate can't afford to get bogged down in a debate over tobacco at a time when several other critical issues are awaiting action. . . .
Any delay in flood assistance caused by a fight over tobacco legislation would be unacceptable. . . .
we think it's possible that new measures to curtail marketing, expand warning labels and increase education could be accomplished without growing government or over-stretching the FDA.
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