The government continues to invoke bans on smoking and to place warnings on cigarette packs and unduly high taxes on same yet it continues to grant subsidies to tobacco farmers to the tune of $1.3 billion from 1995 to 2011, according to the Environmental Working Group.
Bans on smoking in clubs, bars and public meeting places are enforceable, but bans on public property such as parks and beaches are definitely not enforceable.
Outlawing smoking altogether will not work because someone will always sneak one here or there; however, outlawing tobacco sales will work because the smokers' sources will have dried up.
It may be argued the tobacco companies will go out of business. Not so, Philip Morris, for example, has a lucrative business in the food industry. It also exports tobacco, which is OK with me.
Outlaw tobacco sales, and this will automatically bring about wholesale quitting of smoking. The lung cancer rate will drop dramatically.
LEE RICARD
East Greenbush