July 18, 2007 - 6:26am — IGNITE
Macaroni and Cheese but not Cigarettes
Currently, The Food and Drug Administration regulates the ingredients in a box of macaroni and cheese, but not cigarettes. No other industry receives such special treatment from Congress, and no other industry has such an egregious history. It is no wonder tobacco has been protected for so long- tobacco PACs dumped about 3.5 million dollars into the pockets of federal politicians last election cycle. When someone dishes out 3.5 million dollars, they expect something in return. Our legislators should reject this money and listen to the constituents they are supposed to be representing, not to the industries financing their campaigns.
I think two things have to change. First, it is imperative that Senate Bill 625 passes to give the FDA the power, and mandate, to regulate the production, distribution, and advertising of tobacco products. Second, serious campaign finance reform needs to be adopted to reduce the influence of industries in politics. What do y'all think?