Sunday, June 28, 2009

Revisiting FDA To Ban Flavored Cigarettes, EXCEPT Menthol

Enough of you want to keep discussing this. Lets.

Hey folks,

On Sunday June 14, 2009 I posted this. FDA To Ban Flavored Cigarettes, EXCEPT Menthol

Well, the Loony Left did it. They gave the power to the FDA to regulate Cigarettes. A responsibility that they do not even want. That's right. They do not want this. Then you have the Government showing just how Racist THEY are. We have talked all about this in the past. Let me bring you back to May 15, 2008. I posted Will The REAL Racist Please Stand Up

Some public health experts are questioning why menthol, the most widely used cigarette flavoring and the most popular cigarette choice of African-American smokers, is receiving special protection as Congress tries to regulate tobacco for the first time.

One possible answer? They do not care if they die? Maybe, just maybe, they see the fact that 75 percent of Black Smokers smoke Menthol is a good thing? We have been told for years that cigarettes kill. Yet, if smokers were to quit tomorrow, where do you suppose all the money would come from that helps fund health care? It is bad, it kills, yet no ban? That is really just a side note.

The legislation, which would give the Food and Drug Administration the power to oversee tobacco products, would try to reduce smoking’s allure to young people by banning most flavored cigarettes, including clove and cinnamon.

But those new strictures would exempt menthol — even though menthol masks the harsh taste of cigarettes for beginners and may make it harder for the addicted to kick the smoking habit. For years, public health authorities have worried that menthol might be a factor in high cancer rates in African-Americans.

I wrapped it up with this.

So we have Liberal programs that have destroyed the Black family. We have Planned Parenthood taking donations set aside to kill Black Babies. Now we have a ban on flavored Cigarettes, with an exemption of Menthol that is enjoyed by 75 percent of Black smokers, causing them a 50 percent higher rate than anyone else of getting cancer and DYING. Who is in charge of ALL these things? Liberal far Left Fringe Democrats. Affectionately dumbed here the LWL {Left Wing Loonies}

I talked about the fact that they actually did do it. They gave authority to the FDA to regulate Tobacco. I also thought about this. Another possible answer as to why the would leave Menthol alone was because they {Congress} do not want to be seen as Racists themselves for Banning a cigarette that 75 percent of Blacks smoke, and leaving the White folks cigarettes alone.

Well this has started quite an interesting conversation. So I am revisiting this complete with all the comments that keep coming in. Want to join the conversation? Please feel free.

Anonymous said...
HA. This is ridiculous. You're saying it's racist that they are not banning menthol cigarettes just to up the chances for blacks to get cancer? Last I checked - SMOKING IS A CHOICE. If anyone chooses to smoke menthols, or any cigarette, THEY are increasing their own risks for cancer, NOT the government. You've got to be kidding me.

10:26 PM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous,

Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog.

HA. This is ridiculous. You're saying it's racist that they are not banning menthol cigarettes just to up the chances for blacks to get cancer?

Can you give me another reason why they will not ban Menthol? They are baning Orange, Cherry, and other FLAVORED Cigarettes. They say they are banning these flavors and raising taxes on cigarettes in general because they are BAD for you. Yet, they are going to leave Menthol, a Flavoring, alone. Why?

It is worse than regular Cigarettes. Some studies have shown that they are the worse kind. So why not ban them?

Because 75 percent of Blacks CHOOSE to smoke them. So if they cared about CHOICE, they would leave ALL flavors alone. Correct?

Of course all smokers have the choice. But if the Government is going to step in and limit that choice, one has to wonder why they are leaving a choice that is the most dangerous alone.

If you have another explanation, I would LOVE to hear it.
Peter

6:10 AM
alex d said...
hey pete,
i'm white as rice and i smoke menthol. i believe that the reasoning behind the exclusion of menthol is that some companies, such as newport, salem, and kool, market only menthol cigarettes.

clove cigarettes like blacks[that's a brand, i'm not being racist;)]account for 1% or less of total tobacco sales. menthol, however, is responsible for 23% of all sales. if the feds were to ban menthol, then they would be forcing a large number of companies to go out of business.

btw:i in no way whatsoever support this bill.this is just me trying to understand their thought process.i think its total bull that they will decriminalize marijuana and turn around and take our blunt wraps.
what a bunch of 8----D's

-alex d

4:22 PM
Anonymous said...
if the feds were to ban menthol, then they would be forcing a large number of companies to go out of business.
Swisher Sweets, White Owls, Black n Mild, and Phillies are going to go out of business. Swisher ONLY sells flavored cigars. Don't forget the dip! spearmint, chocolate, etc. they don't care about business.

11:02 PM
AnotherViewPoint said...
You can also view this as a way to increase the tax penalty on those that DO NOT smoke menthol cigarettes. If "75% of Black choose to smoke them", couldn't that mean that lawmakers, who surely were aware of this fact, were looking to tax non-blacks?

3:42 PM
Anonymous said...
I can tell you why they aren't messing with menthols. They aren't because President Obama smokes menthols.

11:22 PM
Anonymous said...
OP is an idiot to bring up racism as a reason to keep menthols around. I'm black myself and I don't see anything racist about it. If anything, op is racist for even seeing it that way. Hating on the whities?

12:59 AM
Anonymous said...
I find it interesting that I am only now hearing that Obama smokes cigarettes, and am a little turned off by the fact actually. I do think that the governement is still concerned about cigarette companies going out of business, and since so many people (of all colors) smoke menthols, that would be a lot of taxes the government doesn't see. That being said, I think it's ridiculous that menthols are not included in the ban. They do contain fiberglass, and are known to be the worst kind of cigarette you can smoke.

I think this bill is a good idea. I know a lot of young people who only smoke flavored cigarettes, including my young cousin, and I'm willing to give up my blunts for her. They hurt my throat and I always liked my bong better anyway :)

3:57 PM
Jan-Erik said...
personally i think the reason why menthol cigarettes are excluded in this bill is because philip morris' profit is dependent on their continued existence.

they can ban labelings like 'light' and 'mild' and ban flavored cigarettes in order to achieve the illusion of action against smoking, but philip morris' lobbyists would never allow for an outright ban on ANY of it's products.

10:08 PM
Anonymous said...
guess its time to rebel, we were told by the constitution to bare arms in the event of an oppressive government....sounds like its time to do sumthin about it.

11:25 PM
Ben said...
well ok now we all go roll our own unfiltered flavored cigarettes. I guess I don't see the point in essentially deregulating flavored cigarettes by making them a black market commodity, It's not done anything against the sale/distribution of weed except put the profits in criminal hands. Empty gesture on the governments part, there are some things you just can't ban.

9:14 AM
Peter said...
Hey Alex,

Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog.

"I believe that the reasoning behind the exclusion of menthol is that some companies, such as newport, salem, and kool, market only menthol cigarettes."

Interesting point. I'm sure that is one reason they were thinking about. Look at the reduction of tax income if these companies DID shut down.

However, if tobacco is so deadly, why no just ban it. Right? I mean, they love banning things. But you are right, TAXES.

The original article though made it clear that one of the BIGGEST reasons they are leaving Menthol alone is because that IS what most Black folks smoke.

Let's leave aside my argument of Racial, well, no, let's look at it this way. Perhaps they are also AFFRAID of being CALLED Racists if they ban what 75 percent of Black Smokers choose to smoke and leave Marlboro alone. I can hear it now.

"They left the White people Cigarettes alone and ban Black's"

THEN smoking would become a Civil Rights issue. {Laughing}
Peter

10:16 AM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous,

"Swisher ONLY sells flavored cigars. Don't forget the dip! spearmint, chocolate, etc. they don't care about business."

They sure do care about taxes though. Your right about them not caring. They have agenda's and they are sticking to them. To hell with whatever the People think.

That is the whole original point to my posting this. If they are going to do this, knowing some companies WILL go out of business, then WHY leave the most DEADLY produce alone? Because MOST Black folks smoke them. Then you have to wonder WHY that would matter.

Interesting conversation going on here. Thanks for adding.
Peter

10:22 AM
Peter said...
Hey Another,

Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog.

"You can also view this as a way to increase the tax penalty on those that DO NOT smoke menthol cigarettes. If "75% of Black choose to smoke them", couldn't that mean that lawmakers, who surely were aware of this fact, were looking to tax non-blacks?"

Uh, actually no. I'm not sure how you came up with that. If they leave Menthol alone and allow Black folks to keep smoking them, they will pay just as much tax as anyone else that smokes. So I'm not sure your point. Could you elaborate a bit?
Peter

10:29 AM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous Huh, 3

"I can tell you why they aren't messing with menthols. They aren't because President Obama smokes menthols."

I was wondering what he smoked. Just flat out curiousity. Interesting point though.
Peter

10:33 AM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous 4

"OP is an idiot to bring up racism as a reason to keep menthol around. I'm black myself and I don't see anything racist about it. If anything, op is racist for even seeing it that way. Hating on the Whites?"

I'm assuming that you are referring to me OP {OPNTalk}? My name would be Peter, Pete, whatever. Just to simplify things {Smile}

I do not think you are Hating on Whitey, although I haven't heard that phrase in a long time.

So you really do not think Race has any part of this? Seriously. I'm asking. You see, this is why I will be posting this on this Sunday 062809, in an attempt to keep the conversation going and to bring it to the attention of new folks.

What do you think about my new possible reason? They {Congress} are afraid to be called Racist if they DO ban Menthol? Leaving the White's cigarettes alone and baning what 75 percent of Black folks smoke? You do not think someone would be attempting to play the Race Card on that. You basically called me a Racist for bringing it up. {Smile}

So if you do not feel Race plays a part in banning all Flavors EXCEPT Menthol, then why do you think they are leaving the most dangerous one on the market?
Peter

10:43 AM
Peter said...
Hey Anonymous 5

"I find it interesting that I am only now hearing that Obama smokes cigarettes, and am a little turned off by the fact actually. I do think that the government is still concerned about cigarette companies going out of business, and since so many people (of all colors) smoke menthol, that would be a lot of taxes the government doesn't see. That being said, I think it's ridiculous that menthol are not included in the ban. They do contain fiberglass, and are known to be the worst kind of cigarette you can smoke."

Exactly. Why? They do get taxes from all other flavors as well. Why not KEEP them and Tax Flavored MORE. Then people who chose to smoke the Flavored, will simply pay more for them.

If they are banning them for "health reasons" then WHY not ban the most dangerous kind?

I love your closing remarks. {Smile}
Peter

10:48 AM
Peter said...
Hey Jan-Erik,

Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog.

"personally i think the reason why menthol cigarettes are excluded in this bill is because philip morris' profit is dependent on their continued existence.

they can ban labelings like 'light' and 'mild' and ban flavored cigarettes in order to achieve the illusion of action against smoking, but philip morris' lobbyists would never allow for an outright ban on ANY of it's products."


What about the taxes that the Government gets? Like Gas, they get far more "Profit" for doing nothing than those that actually produce the product does.

What about all the other companies that will go out of business? I understand your disdain for Lobbyists. Trust me on that one. But this Administration LIVES by Lobbyists. They LOVE ACORN. and many others. So you have a good point.

I hope we can continue this on Sunday. Really interesting conversation so far. Thank you to all who are participating.
Peter

10:55 AM

Just click on add comment and I will make sure it gets posted. For those of you who may be new here, it may take a little bit to show up, I do have to make sure it's not spam, but other than that, I do not censor your comments.

So what say you? AM I right? Race is playing a major part in this. Or am I wrong? Why? Do you agree with those that have left comments? What is your take?
Peter

7 comments:

D.S.Harford said...

Check the costs on cigarettes, eventually nobody (except the rich) will be able to smoke them.
Tell you a little secret, A $55 carton of cigarettes can be purchased for
$24.00;(any brand) It’s called the black market, no taxes and no FDA.
Where can you purchase them? Not going to tell you cause it's a little secret, but it is there.

Peter said...

Hey D.S.

Welcome back.

Your right. Just like during Prohibition, when they tried to ban Alcohol. All it did was create a Black Market and empower organized crime. This is why they are no coming right out and baning all Cigarettes.
Peter

Peter said...

Bret just left this on the orginal Post.

Brent said...
All the hype surrounding the banning of flavored tobacco, except for Menthol in regards to race is a limited argument and should not be taken seriously.

It is true, according to a 1998 Surgeon General study that over 75%of African Americans smoke Mentholated cigarettes compared to only 23% of white smokers. But to say that they're going to continue to sell this flavor to kill off a race is absurd. It's obvious the medical treatment in this country is unequal. It's also true that specific urban areas are targeted for advertisement purposes in order to generate sales for this particular blend of cigarette. Just because a particular item happens to be advertised in a certain area does'nt mean that the people who reside or hang out in that area have to purchase that specific product. I like to have a cigarette on occasion, and I'm fully aware that I can buy a pack of Menthol cigarettes but I prefer not to, because it's my preference or choice to do so. This holds true for any other person in this country. It's possible to quit smoking, I mean get real!

What's absurd about the FDA tobacco control act, is the fact that past research explicitly proves that Menthol cigarettes target the youth population. Which is what this act is trying to prevent. To exclude Mentholated tobacco is a contradiction to the act itself. And proves how absurd this entire policy and nation is becoming.

What the FDA should now do is announce and advertise how harmful menthol cigarettes can be to an individuals health. They could have avoided this issue completely, but money apparently talks. And to simplify it even more; smoking is smoking, the same oral and social gratification can be obtained despite a particular flavor.

Peter said...

Hey Brent,

Welcome to the OPNTalk Blog.

You bring up some interesting points, however, as you pointed out, choice.

People of all Races will no longer have a CHOICE to smoke Orange, Strawberry, clove, ETC. No choice. They can not harm themselves. Right?

Yet leaving the most dangerous of all the flavors and allowing people to STILL CHOOSE, begs the question, WHY?

Other than Race. Can you think of another reason?

The whole reason I brought up Race is because of the facts. That and the Libs have shown time and time again that they SAY they are for Minorities, yet their actions do not justify it. Social Programs have all but destroyed Black Families, Planned Parenthood sets aside money to abort Black Babies, and now they are leaving the most deadliest cigarette enjoyed by 75 percent of Blacks which causes a 50 percent higher death rate? You see where I'm coming from?

But then again it could also come down to the Left in charge not wanting to do something that will effect future votes.
Peter

Anonymous said...

I couldn't continue reading after I saw that you asked the question of whether or not liberals/the gov't care if Black smokers die. According to the CDC, 37 million Caucasians smoke menthol cigarettes in the US, as opposed to 5.5 million African-Americans. Just because the percentage is higher doesn't mean the number is. No one is targeting anyone for death.

crazykitty said...

why all this hype and spotlight attention on this issue then? it's better that here i see facts and statistics instead of hearing by word-of-mouth what is going on. but i mean, i know that menthol cigarettes are THE most dangerous out there on the market. so i say, if we the people are dumb enough to smoke it, then so be it. i'm not hating on anybody, i assure you. my husband smokes newport 100s. but i do see the standpoints on the fact that the government is playing the race card once again to push through whatever the hell it is they're doing these days. does this mean they'll start trying to re-ban gay marriage for fear of offending the white christians further? who knows really. all i can really say is that the governmant has weird reasons when they DO play tye race card.

Anonymous said...

Wow... you have your tin foil hat on a little tight there.

I'm thinking the protection actually has something to do with not screwing over domestic tobacco companies.

Remember, America is sadly racist still in some areas, but by an immeasurable distance further Greedy in about All areas.