Posted on 06/05/2009 12:28:23 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Sen. Tom Coburn, who is also a medical doctor, is calling for an outright ban on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
"What we should be doing is banning tobacco," the Oklahoma Republican declared on the Senate floor during a debate on a tobacco regulation bill.
"Nobody up here has the courage to do that. It is a big business. There are millions of Americans who are addicted to nicotine."
The battle against tobacco use has been ongoing. Earlier this year Congress passed legislation that included an increase in the federal tax on cigarettes of more than 60 cents a pack.
Various taxes have brought the price of a pack to over $9 in New York City and to about $7 in Washington, D.C., The Hill newspaper reported.
The Senate is set to pass the Family Smoking Prevention Tobacco Control Act, which would authorize the Food and Drug Administration to restrict the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products.
But that's not enough for Sen. Coburn.
"If we really want to make a difference in health and we want to eliminate dependence on tobacco, what we have to do is to stop the addiction," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
WTF???
The only reason that “Big Smoke” has not been banned is ... TAXES!
This can’t be true.
Maybe he should stick to giving Sex Ed lectures?
It is brilliant. Democrats will have to oppose it, because they need the revenue.
To make way for BIG MARIJUANA?
Coburn just shot himself in the pecker.
I suspect he was making a point.
Now, he might personally believe that’s the surest way to go, from a medical POV, but I doubt he was seriously suggesting the Senate take it up for legislation.
How about we ban all these nanny state A holes,, republican my butt
And I should lose my liberty to smoke a good cigar once a week because...?
I think (hope) he’s making Rush’s point: If smoking’s so bad, outlaw it. Then see if the Democrats have the nerve to let go of the accompanying taxes.
Of course, they have to have something to tax. Banning it would deny them of more vote buying and will have to look else where to demonize a legal product and tax it do death.
The country and our freedoms are being flushed into the sewer and this clown puts all his energy into this no-win cause....WTF?
augirl says Coburn will have to take me under his roof and “nurse” me through my withdrawal from smokeless tobacco.
Correct ammundo - about time bs got called on this nonsense.
Too true Navy Vet.
If ya ban tobacco, what will become the boogie man and thus be taxed to pay for govt?
“what we have to do is to stop the addiction,” he said.”
Being a doctor, Coburn should know that can’t be done. What’s his plan? Lock up the smokers?
And for all those who would applaud, be careful your favorite ice cream or food is next
Let’s bring back Al Capone while we’re at it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.