Letter: Tobacco industry has done enough damage

Monday, Nov. 26, 2007 | 7:13 a.m.

The first step in controlling the health ravages caused by the smoking of cigarettes is the passage of a bill before the current U.S. Congress to place tobacco products under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration. One has to ask: Why has it taken so long for this drug to be regulated? This action is long overdue. My daughter Paula, in her 40s, and her friend Rick along with other friends, died this year from lung cancer caused by cigarette smoking.

The industry ignores the overall hazard of tobacco smoking to the public health. When is the tobacco industry going to start paying for the hospitalization and funeral expenses of their victims?

The tobacco industry has never realized or owned up to the tragic loss and emotional anguish facing the loved ones who have been left behind and mourn their losses. They just seem to turn their backs on all the victims and walk away with pockets full of money. There is no question as to the motives of this industry. The motive is not the well-being of the nation, but avarice, the worst form of greed.

It is time for the nation to pick up the challenge to the tobacco industry. It is time that we end this needless assault on public health that begins with the addiction of teenagers to this marketed drug. The public media could and should lead the campaign.

Raymond Harbert, Las Vegas