PROBE WEAPONS GRADE NICOTINE

The flood of politician anthrax concerns is almost laughable. Tobacco
inhalation kills over 8,000 Americans each week, 4,000 in middle age.

The real death generator isn't isolated particles of anthrax but massive
quantities of weapons grade nicotine - earth's most addictive particle.
Alcohol addicts 10 percent; cocaine, 15 percent; while nicotine enslaves
over 70 percent. They want to quit, but we refuse to teach them how.

All illegal drugs combined may claim 200 Americans next week. Most states
provide illegal drug users with free local lifetime quality clinic
treatment, but if legal nicotine becomes their master, we simply turn our
heads and let them die. Why?

Almost 90 percent of nicotine users became addicted as youth. The overall
fatality rate - for those failing to master the skills necessary to achieve
freedom - is 50 percent. Are they worthy of political concern or is it
their punishment for messing with nicotine as children?

The Taliban government deals in opium, while ours prefers nicotine. Last
year America subsidized its growth and collected over $11 billion in
nicotine taxes. Our politicians pocketed millions in tobacco industry
contributions, and the states continued their partnership under a $246
billion agreement that grants their partner a license to annually addict
over 900,000 teens, while killing 430,000 adults.

Where is the money really coming from that's being donated to politicians?
It's blood money and it stains their souls. What is the actual source of
the $246 billion in tobacco settlement funds that politicians are spending
on every cause except helping those addicted break free?

We must make it morally wrong for politicians to accept tobacco
contributions either before or after voting on tobacco revenue or treatment
measures. Like the president says, "those harboring terrorists are targets,
too." It's time for leaders to lead.

John R. Polito

Summerville, S.C.