For first time, surgeon general backs ban on tobacco products

Washington Post via Houston Chronicle ^ | June 4, 2003 | MARC KAUFMAN

[sarcasm]

WASHINGTON -- Surgeon General Richard Carmona said Tuesday that he supports the banning of tobacco products -- the first time that the government's top doctor and public health advocate has made such a strong statement about the historically contentious subject.

Testifying at a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing on smokeless tobacco and "reduced risk" tobacco products, Carmona was asked whether he would "support the abolition of all tobacco products."

"I would at this point, yes," he replied

[Salman]

The Mafia needs a new source of income. How long before the tobacco-related drive-by shootings start?

It's a gateway drug, you know. Most pot smokers started with tobacco.

[this_ol_patriot]

"If Congress chose to go that way, that would be up to them," he said. "But I see no need for any tobacco, alcohol products or firearms in society."

Tread at your own risk, it's not called BATF for nothing.

[smadurski]

If they ban tobacco taxes will have to raised on something else like income.

[prisoner6]

"But I see no need for any tobacco products in society."

I see no >need< for lots if things including, but not limited to...

Ice cream
candy
beets, rutabagas, rhubarb
telemarketing
tons of laws
most taxes
pop-up/under ads

and other than for amusement value...

environmentalists
most democrats

prisoner6

[boris]

"WASHINGTON, June 9, 2012 -- Surgeon General Mahendra Gupta said Tuesday that he supports the banning of fast food-- the first time that the government's top doctor and public health advocate has made such a strong statement about the historically contentious subject.

"Testifying at a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing on "lite" Whoppers and "reduced risk" Big Macs, Gupta was asked whether he would "support the abolition of all fast-food products."

"I would at this point, yes," he replied.

--Boris

[sarcasm]

Diversity is our strength.

[may18]

Im a non smoker, but i think its a matter of choice.

For public places (bars etc) sure, set aside areas for non smokers.

But plans in the uk to bar all smoking in all public places smacks of a nanny state to me.

I didnt realise similar moves were possible in the US

[libertylover]

Yeah, I'll bet Dean supporters in North Carolina and Kentucky would be thrilled if their candidate adopted this stance.

[SixFive175]

Ban tobacco, and the 1920's Prohibition Era will seem paltry by comparison.

The Russian Mafia will move in. You'll also be able to get your cigs, from some street dealer in the 'hood.

Looks like we're doomed to repeat history, because nothing was learned.

[dark_lord]

I give it 10 more years...then tobacco will join marijuana on the list of evil prohibited drugs. The drug warriors can then chase down cigarette smugglers and confiscate their cars, boats, and houses (making DARE very happy), drug dealers will sell cigarettes, drug lords will provide laundered campaign contributions to anti-drug politicians (to ensure their profits stay up by keeping things illegal), and the band plays on.

In 20 years, simple possession of a carton of cigarettes will be sufficient to get you a felony conviction, your property confiscated, and a 1 year prison sentence. But hey, at least in prison you will be employed at producting products for Walmart and enabling the American economy to compete against the slave labor in various 3rd world factory hells.