This seems analogous to laws banning alcohol that tastes good, because people like to drink them more. Where is the ban on flavored rum and vodka?
Originally, we were told this ban was pushed because black people were more into menthol cigarettes, and it was racist marketing which needed to be stopped. But now, perhaps because people pointed out it was patronizing and insulting for the Left to ban things precisely because black people like them, we are being told this is to protect minors. Interesting pivot.
On the racial justice angle – YES, FDA does not enforce the laws against individuals – or, it is PROMISING not to – and, as long as we live in a world where bureaucracies do not stray from their original purpose or goals – the personnel never change- or if they do, are replaced by people with exactly the same views – and so on – then that is likely true.
But, seems to me, in this world, a guy who was suspected of selling cigarettes illegally got killed by the cops in New York City – I do not say the cops were to blame, I never followed the case, but it seems very likely he would not have died except for cigarette law enforcement. Will we see a black market in menthol? If so, I predict some non-white people are going to be involved and there will be police action against them – and I believe FDA knows that.
My main objection is, this should not be a decision made by FDA at all – allowing them broad leeway to regulate “drugs” which have been socially accepted and not recognized as a law enforcement issue for centuries is bad enough, but in this case – where one slightly different form of such a drug will be completely forbidden – while another goes on untouched – gives far too much power to a bureaucracy – and it is anti-democratic.
Clearly, Biden, as one of his duties as The Great White Savior, planned to ban these products to protect easily manipulated children, before the election, and, in a well functioning democracy, that should have been reported as part of his platform by the media, before menthol tobacco product users voted. That is the democracy – you tell people what you intend to do, if they like it, they vote for you.
But, failing that, and Biden is not the first person to hide and lie about his intentions -then before a big change, the people should be able to force a vote.
I do not care much about menthol flavored cigarettes, likely most people do not – but all these same principles apply to Biden’s program to get several million people into the US illegally, as fast as possible. That upsets me.
