 |
 |
Editor:
Jill Dellamalva's column ("Eliminate tobacco companies to stop teen smoking," Sept. 6) about banning tobacco companies is so full of holes, it's hard to know where to start addressing it, and I only have 400 words with which to do it. But I'll try anyway...
"Get rid of the source of the problem, the tobacco companies." Since Ms. Dellamalva obviously has not studied economics, I'll help her out. Tobacco companies produce and sell cigarettes for one reason; people want them. If the reason people buy cigarettes is because the tobacco companies sell them, why aren't we all heading down to Smokin' Joe's Tobacc-O-Rama?
Since Ms. Dellamalva has obviously not studied history either, I will, again, help her out. Once upon a time, earlier this century, there was this insidious little scheme called Prohibition. It was designed to do the same thing Ms. Dellamalva would like to do with smokes. It failed. Miserably. People died in street battles, Mafia kingpins ruled the cities, and it didn't do a thing to stop people from drinking. Hey, that sounds a lot like Ms. Dellamalva's plan to rid us of those evil cigarettes. I suggest you go and fulfill that Western Civilization requirement.
Next on the agenda: Asking the government to ban cigarette companies is the ultimate cop-out for arrogant, self-righteous, wannabe social engineers like Ms. Dellamalva, who are too lazy or disingenuous to get out and use reason and logic to persuade kids (or anyone else, for that matter) not to smoke. It also takes responsibility from where it should lie; with the child's parents.
The last, and by far the most important, point I have is that cigarette smoking is an exercise in personal choice. You know that word, people, "choice." As in "pro-choice." Get it? Are you sure, now? Do I think smoking is a good idea? No. I don't smoke. That's my choice. Hey, there's that word again. Choice. Think about it, Ms. Dellamalva; you have the right to choose not to smoke. Why shouldn't others have the same right, and choose to smoke? Maybe you shouldn't be allowed to go outside, for exposure to the sun may cause skin cancer later.
Instead of spouting knee-jerk reactions to everything you see as a problem, quit "blowing smoke" and try analyzing the situation using reason, logic, fairness, and above all, common sense. Someday you may end up accomplishing something.
Bret Rosson
operations management senior
|
|
|