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Tobacco regulation
Posted by Letters editor
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DARRON CUMMINGS / AP
A cigarette sits in an ashtray at the Red Key Taven in Indianapolis. The U.S. Senate voted June 11 on legislation that for the first time would give the new powers to control the production and marketing of tobacco products. South Carolina has the lowest state sales tax on cigarettes in the country.
It's not the only product
taxpayers shouldn't subsidize
Editor, The Times:
In ["Big tobacco finally loses," editorial, June 12], you argued that "there is no good reason for taxpayers to continue to subsidize [tobacco production]." I agree. Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for the production of a product that has led to people living unhealthy lifestyles. However, tobacco is hardly the only problem.
For example, the government has spent nearly $40 billion during the past decade subsidizing corn production. As a result, it is much cheaper to make food with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). While no type of sugar is healthy, there is a strong correlation between the rise in use of HFCS and the rise of obesity in the United States.
Also, many studies suggest that HFCS is unhealthier than pure sugar and can alter natural metabolic processes. The government should consider these types of unintended health consequences before handing out subsidies.
-- Jeffrey McCoy, Seattle
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
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