[xrp]

Moderator: Mr. Secretary, why not ban cigarettes? They have no redeeming qualities. It would certainly reduce the tobacco related illnesses and expenses.

Thompson: We need to regulate tobacco and as long as it is a commodity that is legal. People have become addicted to tobacco, and it is necessary for us to try and influence those individuals and offer the 70% of smokers that want to quit the opportunity to do so with programs that will assist them in accomplishing that objective. By banning the products outright, you will encourage black markets, smuggling, and other ways to circumvent the law, and it does not appear that anyone is willing to ban tobacco completely.

Mildly ironic when put in perspective to marijuana...

[MrLeRoy]

Also ironic: "I happen to be very much in the camp of allowing people to have personal choices".

[Buckwheats]

Moderator: Mr. Secretary, why not ban cigarettes? They have no redeeming qualities. It would certainly reduce the tobacco related illnesses and expenses.
Thompson: We need to regulate tobacco and as long as it is a commodity that is legal. People have become addicted to tobacco, and it is necessary for us to try and influence those individuals and offer the 70% of smokers that want to quit the opportunity to do so with programs that will assist them in accomplishing that objective. By banning the products outright, you will encourage black markets, smuggling, and other ways to circumvent the law, and it does not appear that anyone is willing to ban tobacco completely.

"Mildly ironic when put in perspective to marijuana..."

It's actually extremely ironic and hypocritical and, you forgot to mention that, unlike tobacco, marijuana is non-addictive. The inmates are running the asylum (I know, that's not news). Since I've already committed to the drunken, useless idiocy of posting this, I might as well throw in the "Real Truth".

The 'powers that be' are obviously benefitting financially more from keeping marijuana illegal than they would by legalizing it (which, of course, would benefit society greatly). With legalization would come huge tax benefits to the government, reduced crime, etc. (and, no, for you WOsD morons out there, the number of people using it would not increase dramatically...anyone who wants to use it now has no problem getting it). But, it sure would hurt the banks. Ya know, laundering all that illicit cash helps the bottom line. I've read studies that claim the international banking system would tank if all anti-drug laws were abolished....maybe that's the prime reason for the current illogical system. The prison system would also be hurt; and, on and on. My basic lament is: how can any sane person be so stupid not to see reality here?