Tobacco Documents Online

I q Detroit Depar,ment oi Heeltn Soutneastern micniqan Heaitn Asscration Untted Community Serv ces of Ltetropoiitan Cetrcrt Herman Kiefer Healtfl Complex 1151 Taylor - 2nd F!oor, Pav. 6 Detroit, Micnigan »82G2 (313) 876-4713 DETROIT HYPERTENSION CONTROL PROGRAM I i I I I I I Citizens' Panel on Smoking and Health STATE= The reduction and prevention of tobacco-related illness and death can only happen from the reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked. The issue is one of supply and demand. I will defend the right of any mature adult, who is well-informed as to the effects of cigarette smoke, to choose to smoke. However, the costs to society in general that result from illnesses related to this behavior should be fully borne by this group. Additional medical costs, etc. should be reflected in a direct tax upon thiS commodity. Additional insurance costs, etc. should also be reflected in the tax on cigarettes. There shoul.d be an immediate withdrawal of any government subsidy to any aspects of tobacco growth and manufacture. The resultant increased costs would serve to limit demand by potential users. The supply of cigarettes should be severely regulated, much like alcohol, to the population deemed to be adult (18? 21?). Removal of cigarette vending machines, strong enforcement of existing restrictive laws, etc. should be vigorously pursued. Finally, the rights of the non-smoker should be clearly stated and defended. As the rights of the smoker are defined as personal liberty and freedom of choice, so too should the non-smoker be able to choose clean air at all times. This should apply to all public places, public events, and the work place. Recent medical evidence of the hazards to non-smokers from smoke contaminated air is such that the rights of non-smokers should be guaranteed. I William A. Saville, Ph.D. Project Director -L8-