Editorial: This idea belongs in the ashtray

Friday, July 20, 2001 | 5:32 a.m.

Only a tobacco company could find a bright side to deaths from cancer. A new report commissioned by Philip Morris for the Czech Republic says there are "indirect positive effects" from early deaths associated with smoking. The study said that because people die earlier from smoking-related illnesses, the Czech government actually saved $30 million on health care, pensions and public housing for the elderly.

So there is, after all, a silver lining to a product that not only is addictive, but also frequently causes cancer, emphysema and a host of other diseases that create unbearable and intense suffering. Isn't that lovely?

Philip Morris used the study's conclusions to attempt to persuade the Czech government to not raise taxes on cigarettes, a hike that could cause fewer people to smoke and, therefore, hurt the company's bottom line. So far, the Czech Republic is not buying.

Just a couple of days after this report was released, Philip Morris disclosed its quarterly earnings. While the maker of both tobacco and food products posted a 5.4 percent increase in its second quarter profits -- propelled by strong cigarette sales in the United States -- the company's cigarette profits didn't do as well overseas because of the strong U.S. dollar. Philip Morris obviously feels it is under pressure to improve its performance in Europe, including defeating any effort -- such as higher taxes -- that could harm its sales. The cancer merchants have proved once again that they are willing to do anything to make money -- no matter how repugnant.