US Congressional Black Caucus split over menthol cigarettes - Big Tobacco has them in its pocket

The capitalist pigs of Big Tobacco have the US Congressional Black Caucus in their pockets.

And now that they've been bought, they're endangering health for all Americans, including racial minorities, as reported in a New York Times article.

You see, approximately 75% of African Americans choose menthol cigarettes.

The 43 African American members of Congress have long had financial ties to tobacco companies.

And now, there is a bill before Congress that would allow the severely underfunded Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco. It specifically exempts menthol cigarettes, which make up 28% of the $70bn American market.

That compromise was, unfortunately, seen as necessary to get the legislation passed. It's a deal with the devil, which severely undermines the intent of the legislation. If passed as is, this would exacerbate existing health disparities, as African Americans would continue to smoke unregulated products.

Among them, some critics have said, was Charles B. Rangel of New York. Although he supported some antitobacco initiatives, until the last few years Mr. Rangel staunchly opposed federal tax increases on tobacco products.

He has said his stand was based on the disproportionate effect of excise taxes on the poor, not because of the thousands of dollars he received in tobacco industry political action committee donations.

Some members of the Congressional Black Caucus oppose the menthol exemption. But for representatives of racial minorities that are economically disadvantaged, financial blackmail is very attractive.

Last year, Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris, donated $50,000 to an endowment Mr. Clyburn established at South Carolina State University, a historically black college.

Henry Waxman, the sponsor of the bill, isn't willing to remove the menthol exemption for fear that it will doom the bill. He says the bill does give the FDA the authority to regulate menthol if it is shown to be harmful, but it is likely that menthol itself isn't harmful. Its pleasant taste might make it easier for teens to get addicted to cigarettes.

The lesson that all people should learn from this is not to bargain with Satan. He may make the deal seem tempting, but he will always write the small print in his favor. Being from an economically disadvantaged group gives Satan a lot of leverage over you, but you have to resist.