Results tagged “tobacco” from The Morning After

President Obama has promised to sign into law a bill that grants the FDA power to hit the tobacco industry with sweeping regulations related to its production and marketing. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act drew vast support from Congress, winning large majorities in both houses. (Sens. Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, Jr. as well as Rep. Todd Platts all supported the act).

Unfortunately H.R. 1256--hailed by the president as "a bill that truly defines changes in Washington"--undermines America's promise of freedom.

Never mind that the mandatory warning labels depicting smoking's negative effects will have virtually zero consequence for a public that already knows that smoking kills--about 400,000 each year according to the CDC.

Never mind that those who propose limitations to the amount of nicotine per cigarette ignore the painstakingly obvious fact that smokers are addicted particularly to nicotine, not cigarettes, that for example a pack-a-day smoker craves a pack's worth of nicotine rather than a pack's worth of white paper cylinders.

Never mind that an ordered ban of all tobacco advertisements within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds, to take effect by 2012, blatantly violates First Amendment rights.

Never mind all of that.

Whatever happened to liberty's most essential ally, personal responsibility?

The idea behind the legislation is this: Because tobacco products are unhealthy and potentially fatal, the federal government must step in and save the people from themselves.

Or more accurately: Because the people are too stupid to make their own decisions about their personal health, the federal government then has a right to make those decisions for them.

How about this zany idea (I know it's radical, but bear with me):

What if each individual makes his or her own decisions on nonviolent matters that affect no others directly? And what if each individual suffers the bad consequences and benefits from the good?

For decades, the word has been out on the dangers of smoking. More and more, we're learning what has been swept under the rugs of Big Tobacco. The knowledge required to make an educated decision is out there.

The more responsibility for ourselves that we cede to the government (or anyone, for that matter), the less free we are. The hole we have dug is already a deep one. Some of us no longer expect to be held accountable for educating our children, paying our mortgages or
generating income while unemployed.

It's time to break the chain. It's time to quit--cold turkey.

By Melanie Bracey

I was at work today, and a girl whom I have carded many times came in to by cigarettes. She has given me trouble in the past when I have carded her, and I didn't feel like dealing with that today. So I didn't. I know she's 18; I've seen her ID before. But I was so angry with myself after I sold her the cigarette. I broke the law. But what made me feel worse was that I let her have power over me. I let the potential of a minor confrontation take the reins.

I have never felt so threatened by a group of people ever before. When I'm trying to decide whether or not to card someone who I know I've sold tobacco products to before, I weigh the possibility that they could either throw a fit or something at my head. My heart starts pumping harder, and my palms get sweaty. I think I would be less nervous if a man came in with a mask over his head and pointed a gun at me. At least I would have a better idea of the outcome if I didn't do what he asked. I feel like I'm getting in the middle of people and their addictions, and that can become a dangerous situation. I have to tell myself that I didn't initiate their addiction, so it's their problem if they can't handle what comes along with feeding it.

State law requires that people under 27 show their IDs when purchasing tobacco products. In addition, there is a sign on the door leading into the college bookstore--my place of employment--that reads, "We card under 18. Have your ID ready." So, with all this preparation, why do people assume they won't be carded?

One of the most popular retorts when I ask to see someone's ID is, "We're in college; everyone here is 18." However, that is not completely true. I have carded people who haven't turned 18 until well into their first semester, and there are also high school students who take classes on campus. However, that's beside the point. My employer could be fined and I could lose my job if I don't card everyone who looks under 27.

Some people have a really hard time with being carded. I have had customers who don't have their IDs walk out angrily without their other purchases, those who try to guilt me into giving them cigarettes anyway ("Do I really have to walk all the way back to West Campus?"), those on the verge of tears, those who claim I sold them cigarettes yesterday (when I didn't work yesterday) and those who cuss me out.

All of these reactions take me aback every time. You chose to start smoking. Take responsibility for that choice. Have your ID ready. The least you can do is not whine and cry when I ask to see it. And it's not just the first time, either. You have to show me your ID every time you buy tobacco. I don't care how many times a week (and in some cases, a day) you come into the store to buy tobacco products. We are not "friends" and I do not remember how old you are.

The guy who both cussed me out and left without his stash of energy drinks now acts like we're best friends. He invited me to a party he was throwing and smiled at me when we passed each other in the library. But it wasn't the "Hey, I know you!" kind of smile. It was a "You remember me forever!" kind of smile. And I will remember him forever. That guy who would stock up on Parliament Lights and Redbull and pay with his Nursing Student ID card. That guy who left his ID at Murph's so he could play pool instead of bringing it when he came to buy cigarettes that fateful night.

All in all, I'm just tired of people giving me excuses. I'm tired of giving in because I know that there's a chance someone might give me a little attitude. Maybe that means I need to grow a backbone. Or maybe it means people should come prepared to take responsibility for their lifestyle choices. I'm going to card you. It's not my decision to make.