PUBLIC VIEWPOINT: Cigars Shouldn’t Be Exempt From Regulation

We all know tobacco use, in any form, is harmful.

In 2009, Congress passed and the president signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act which, at long last, gave the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco products.

Regrettably, legislation has recently been introduced to exempt some types of cigars from FDA oversight. This is a bad idea. Some of the cigars that could be exempted include cheap, flavored cigars that are being marketed to kids. Cherry- and grape flavored cigars should not escape common-sense regulations that will protect children.

My husband and I are the parents of two kids. As such, we oppose any efforts to exempt any tobacco products, including cigars, from FDA regulation, particularly those that are being marketed to kids.

We know Sens. Pryor and Boozman to be thoughtful men who care about families like ours. I urge them both to oppose this legislation,or any other legislation that would exclude any type of tobacco product from oversight.

MELISSA JOYCE

Fayetteville RHETORIC WAS ‘VICIOUS’

I stand with many concerned citizens, Democratic, Independent and Republican alike, who are appalled by the vicious, dangerous rhetoric as expressed by Chris Nogy in the recent GOP newsletter lamenting the fact that he and others cannot use the Second Amendment to just shoot the legislators who don’t vote their way. This Neanderthal approach to politics has no place in a civil society. It should be just as loudly and more publicly denounced by the party members who helped stoke the flames of this now-raging fire before it goes out of control and consumes them and others.

MIKE BROWN,

Rogers

Chairman, Benton County Democratic Central Committee

Opinion, Pages 5 on 05/01/2013

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