FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Diane Maple
202/785-3355
Lung Association Urges Clinton To Withhold Support for Tobacco Industry Bailout
Washington, D.C., June 19, 1997 -- The American Lung Association today urged President Clinton to withhold his support for any settlement in tobacco talks until details of the plan can be carefully and completely reviewed.
"Every day brings new revelations about the scope of the industry's conspiracy. The American public deserves access to all relevant information before any settlement is reached," said John R. Garrison, Managing Director of the American Lung Association, in a letter to the White House.
"For four decades, we have struggled with the scourge of tobacco. The tobacco industry is masterful at finding loopholes and exploiting them to the fullest. Now is not the time to settle," said Garrison.
He said Clinton's "legacy should be as the President who brought the tobacco industry to its knees, not the President who left the door open for the industry to conduct business as usual, hooking future generations."
The Lung Association is concerned that the settlement will not adequately protect the public's health. Garrison outlined the following concerns:
The advertising, marketing, environmental tobacco smoke, youth access and other public health provisions appear to be inadequate compromises ready for industry exploitation.
"If this deal is ratified, we could be locked for decades into an agreement that either totally misses the mark or is woefully inadequate," said Garrison.
The Food and Drug Administration's authority to regulate tobacco should be sacrosanct, with no changes or limits on current or future authority.
"This point is not negotiable," said Garrison.
There should be no immunity or limits on the industry's future liability.
"Damages should not be capped. No limitations should be imposed on punitive damages. If the tobacco industry cannot be punished, what wrongdoer can?" said Garrison.
There should be no limits placed on class action lawsuits.
"The current flight attendants' suit on environmental tobacco smoke is an example of why this important legal avenue should not be closed," said Garrison.
If the tobacco industry's problems are ameliorated in the U.S., the companies will be free to continue and expand their efforts to addict millions of children abroad.
"This jingoistic approach is truly unacceptable," Garrison said.
"A settlement at this time will leave Americans with the impression that the tobacco issue has been resolved. It cannot and should not be resolved as long as tens of millions of Americans are addicted to nicotine, nearly half a million Americans die each year from smoking-related diseases, and -- most importantly -- 3,000 American children are lured into starting to smoke each day.
"A deal now will legitimize the industry and tell the public that all is forgiven and tobacco use is an appropriate and safe behavior. The American Lung Association has worked too hard to educate the public about the dangers of smoking to allow our efforts to be undone by allowing tobacco to purchase an indulgence, especially one whose price appears to be far too low," he said.
The American Lung Association has been fighting lung disease for more than 90 years. With the generous support of the public and the help of our volunteers, we have seen many advances against lung disease. However, our work is not finished. As we look forward to our second century, we will continue to strive to make breathing easier for everyone. Along with our medical section, the American Thoracic Society, we provide programs of education, community service, advocacy, and research. The American Lung Association's activities are supported by donations to Christmas Seals and other voluntary contributions. You may obtain additional information via our America Online site, keyword: ALA, or Web site at http://www.lungusa.org.
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