The most taxed, regulated product in the country is about to become even more regulated. Congress is weighing a ban on flavored cigarettes that are popular among today’s youth. The tobacco companies are even supporting the legislation, and with good reason. It contains one big exception–it exempts menthol from the ban. The reason? Menthol is preferred by 75 percent of black smokers. Although this type of pandering is business as usual on the Hill, it is appalling that the American Medical Association would be so spineless as to refuse to take a stand. Some doctors with integrity are publicly opposing the exemption, noting it hurts the black community. They are right: A recent study concluded, “smokers who favor menthol cigarettes are twice as likely to fall off the wagon after quitting than people who smoke other cigarettes.” Either menthol should be included in the law, or the whole law should be abandoned. Democrats love to push tobacco legislation in election years, but it might backfire this time. Only one of this year’s presidential candidates is a smoker, and it’s not John McCain. So how will Obama, a rumored Marlboro man, vote on this legislation? Will he take a stand against menthol?
