smoking prevention act redux

One more problem I have with this act is the glaring hypocrisy in both the act itself and in the politicians involved with it. If nicotine is addictive why does the act not allow the FDA to ban nicotine entirely? Alas, I am repeating myself from an earlier post. Banned or outlawed items cannot be taxed. Notice the act allows the nicotine levels to be lowered. This means smokers will have to increase their cigarette consumption to get their daily fix of nicotine. This will increase the tax revenue while exposing smokers to more of the thousands of ingredients in cigarette smoke(several of which are carcinogens and other toxins hazardous to human health). If our politicians are willing to live with the increased health hazards smokers incur in exchange for more tax dollars to spend, it's time for Americans to really wake up and demand better of our elected leaders. It could not get much worse.

When President Obama gladly signed this bill, he said it was to prevent future generations of America's children from picking up the habit. I am a big fan of irony so this statement really takes the cake. He admits to being a former heavy smoker and to "falling off the wagon" since the inauguration. He also said he would not smoke in front of his wife, his kids or in the White House. The reporter he told this to was in a generous mood and did not press him about the Rose Garden, the Presidential limo, Air Force and Marine Corps One etc. Mr. President, America's children are not dumb. They will see it as another "do as I say, not as I do" advice and lose a little respect for you. Good Grief, you promised your wife you'd quit if she let you run for the Presidency. If she can give up her lifestyle and home for 4 years in exchange for being one of the most powerful and influential women in America, You can quit smoking. People do it every day. Chew the gum, wear a patch, get an electronic cigarette.

I have a suggestion on how to manage your stress and lower the urge to smoke. Stop trying to do everything you want done in one year. Don't trust me, read the US Constitution. Unless you're impeached, you've got 4 years to accomplish things. Make this year's goal economic recovery first. To aid this just get one health care reform a done deed. Put a cap on malpractice claims payouts. The health care providers and insurers will appreciate this and might be more willing to help with your other goals later on. The only people who will oppose you will be the American Trial Lawyers Association.