This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
With Sunday's story highlighting the influence the American Legislative Exchange Council has on state legislative business, the threats underlying this organization's pro-tobacco agenda are worth noting ("ALEC bringing its clout, agenda and convention to Utah," Tribune, July 15).
The well-documented relationship between ALEC and Big Tobacco was highlighted when the tobacco industry was forced to disclose its own internal documents under the terms of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement. Now with dwindling cigarette sales, Big Tobacco is turning to smokeless tobacco to addict customers.
Smokeless tobacco causes disease — including cancer — and interferes with tobacco-cessation efforts. The tobacco industry uses false and deceptive advertising to make illegitimate health claims.
Internationally, tobacco companies openly market to kids. In the United States, the industry will continue to partner with any front group willing to do their dirty work for them, including ALEC.
The truth is, smokeless products are still tobacco, are harmful to the public's health and should be regulated and taxed.
Brook Osterland
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Salt Lake City