The Register-Guard began its July 18 editorial on the huge tobacco company verdict with the sarcastic, “Pity the poor tobacco industry.” But instead of this arrogantly sardonic view, how about a more sincere concern for all citizens who knowingly make unhealthy choices?
It may be easy for many to throw their endorsements behind the punitive verdict, if it stands, that would cost the widely unpopular tobacco companies about $145 billion. The logic here appears to be that tobacco is a dangerous product that costs Americans billions in health care costs.
But the problem with the tobacco verdict lies in the fact that it will bankrupt companies selling legal products that are populist targets tagged as evil big business, and that trend could continue into every facet of life if the logic remains the same.
After all, fast food is ridiculously unhealthy and the fat, grease and cholesterol inflicted upon the body is hyperbolically — at least for now — a crime. Just look at that double bacon cheeseburger next time you pop one into your mouth. Tastes great, but what if the lady in the next booth with a Cobb salad doesn’t want to pay higher insurance premiums because you eat red meat and are a potential risk?
And what about that after-dinner drink? (Well, for college students, make that eight shots of tequila and a boilermaker for good measure.) Alcohol definitely isn’t a health food, and it costs society billions in rotten livers, drunk driving accidents and unwanted pregnancies borne of cloudy judgment.
You may think all of this is a bit far-fetched, but this tactic of imposing de facto regulations, if not prohibitions, on unpopular industries has already begun.
The same populist punishment is already being meted out to the gun industry. The Clinton administration earlier this year attempted to force gun manufacturers into a set of behaviors — including background checks and a clause that distributors can only sell to other distributors or dealers that agree to abide by the agreement’s other facets — by awarding contracts to companies that followed government guidelines.
And there are some who want to tax fast food. Tax a legal product simply because it’s not good for the consumer? Why not, it’s already happening with tobacco.
The very valid concern that needs to be dealt with is that government, with its arrogant belief that it knows best for its citizens, has found its way around the politically costly battles of banning substances and moved onto de facto prohibition methods. Taxation, awarding contracts to compliant companies and suing companies for making and selling legal products are very effective tactics and wholly dangerous.
So next time you read the sarcastic sentiments denouncing big businesses, even though you may not like the industries being attacked, just ponder what it might mean for you next time you want to barbecue some ribs and grab a cold one. Unpopular businesses are now fair game, and you’re the one who loses their rights.