THE FLAW OF CAPITALISM

Since a jury in Florida found tobacco companies liable for producing a
defective product, many have expressed the opinion that Big Tobacco should
not be punished for simply providing a product to an eager and demanding
market.

After all, they reason, the dangers of tobacco use are clearly listed on
every pack of cigarettes. If anyone is to be held responsible, it should be
the smokers. While smokers are responsible for their own actions, the degree
of blame that should fall on the tobacco industry is exponentially greater.

What many seem to have forgotten is that pimps, prostitutes, hit men and
drug lords also provide a product to an eager and demanding market.

The simple fact that there is a market for a product does not automatically
mean that that product should be put on the market in a responsible society.
This is one of the most frequently used arguments to defend the tobacco
industry, and it is also one of the most flawed.

What we as a society are faced with in this case is a rogue industry that
thinks it is above the law, that has bought and continues to buy juries,
researchers and even congressmen.

This industry has lied about its product, its marketing and its politics for
decades. Finally, it is being held accountable. No one - not even the
pinnacle of corporate influence and power that is Big Tobacco - is above the
law.

Jared Pesez, Belleair Beach, FL