Sweeping Tobacco Legislation

President Obama is praising the passage of a major anti-smoking bill. The bill is historically important because it will give the government sweeping authority over tobacco products. Obama has declared that he intends to quickly sign the bill into law. When he does, the Food and Drug Administration will then have the power and ability to regulate tobacco products.

The fight over the bill has lasted more than half a century. It's taken years and years to weaken the immense power of the tobacco companies. Just twenty-five years ago, cigarette packages had no warnings. Consumers didn't fully understand all the health risks of tobacco. Just thirty-five years ago, tobacco was advertised on TV. The commercials reached millions and millions of viewers, suggesting that smoking was cool and fashionable. The new bill will likely save at least 400,000 lives per year. In addition, it's expected to save the government and health care companies more than $100 billion. Smoking-related illnesses cost this much each and every year.

Some specific points of the new legislation include:

1: Tobacco companies won't be able to sponsor sporting or entertainment events.
2: Outdoor tobacco advertising will be banned within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds.
3: Tobacco won't be sweetened, nor will it contain herbs, spices, or other flavors. As a result, fewer younger smokers will pick up the habit because unflavored tobacco may taste too strong.
4: Cigarettes labeled as "light" or "mild" give the wrong impression of being less harmful. These won't be sold.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you think the new law can really be called "sweeping?" What do you think will really happen?
2. Do you think a similar law would get passed in your country? Why/not?
3. Do you think that someday smoking will completely disappear? Why/not?
4. Do you think that smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol will be made illegal like other drugs?
5. Why is Obama so keen on passing this bill? Please explain.
6. What do you think about smoking and smokers? Please explain.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.flickr.com/photos/dubby/474185294/

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