Yesterday Congress introduced a new bill legislating more restrictions on the tobacco industry. It was cute to see our legislatures share a warm-fuzzy, but I am waiting for someone to mention that two of the major food manufactures in the US are owned by Phillip Morris and RJ Reynolds.
Isn’t it also noteworthy that nearly as many people die each year from diet-related illnesses as from tobacco use? So when the Associate Press reported that smoking is the largest cause of preventable deaths in the US, too bad they didn’t think it was worth mentioning that the difference is only 35,000 people (In 2004 there were approximately 435,000 tobacco related deaths and 400,000 diet related deaths).
About 20% of Americans smoke.
63% of Americans are overweight.
31% of Americans are obese.
Since 1965 smoking in the US has gone down 40%.
Since 1962 obesity has increased 31%
Health costs related to smoking – $100 Billion
Health costs related to obesity – $99.2 Billions
So tell me again which is killing us – Kraft Macaroni and Cheese or Marlboro Reds? Oh wait, it’s the same company! As well as Miller Beer, General Foods (i.e. Jell-O, Kellogg cereals), Nabisco,(aka RJ Reynolds, i.e. Fig Newtons, Chips Ahoy, Triscuts, Oreos).
Even Coca-Cola has Miller doing most of its bottling for them. Since Miller is owned by Phillip Morris, you could argue that when you buy a Coke you are supporting the tobacco industry.
So thanks Congress, for imposing more stringent marketing regulations on the tobacco industry. America will know you are serious when you declare a cease and desist of little cookie baking elves and talking chocolate chips selling us diabetes.
