Pubdate: Thu, 08 Nov 2001
Source: Beckley Register-Herald (WV)
Copyright: 2001 The Register-Herald
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd86
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1441
Author: John R Polito

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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth