Tim writes in part "Several faith groups who are supporting legislation to have tobacco regulated by the FDA are having a press conference in Des Moines next Tuesday at noon at Grace United Methodist Church. It is sponsored by
http://faithunitedagainsttobacco.org/.
I am going to be speaking at the press conference in support of the legislation. : Ed: TIm I am curious, are you the only pastor in ABC-USA who is aboard on this campaign, that is what the "full story" that Haruo linked to seems to indicate. That would be a real disappointment.
On the other hand, for sake of discussion; While I do not oppose such legislation, I do question whether or not it can deliver what it seems to promise. I also wonder with the belt tightening in government, if this is the best time time to burden the FDA with a greater work load? And what impact might probable lay offs in the tobacco industry have on the economy, particurly in areas of the Southeast such as, Raleigh Durham, Winston Salem and Louisville?
BTW, I quit smoking about 7 years ago and my stock holdings include no tobacco related companies, nor am I related to any one at any level of the industry any longer.
And I do thank Haruo and Tim for bringing this to the attention of all here.