The Buzz Around Biden’s Proposed Menthol Cigarette Ban
Have you heard the latest in the tobacco tussle? It seems that President Biden and his administration are stirring the pot with a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes, and let me tell you, it’s causing quite the uproar. The Liberty Policy Foundation, a fresh-faced conservative nonprofit, is all revved up to take this issue to the streets—or at least to the mailboxes—of some key swing states.
The Liberty Policy Foundation’s Campaign Against the Ban
So, what’s the scoop? Well, the Liberty Policy Foundation, which is chock-full of senior GOP operatives, is setting its sights on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new rules that would say a big no-no to menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. According to Brian King, the FDA’s director of the Center for Tobacco Products, these proposals are in the “final step of review for regulatory documents.” In other words, they’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from becoming a reality.
Now, the Liberty Policy Foundation isn’t just sitting back and watching the show. Nope, they’re on a mission to educate Americans about what they see as the pitfalls of Biden‘s tobacco and crime policies. And they’re not mincing words. A spokesperson from the foundation quipped to Gitty Gazette News Digital, “When Americans realize Biden is criminalizing tobacco while the border is open, and heroin injection sites are being decriminalized, they’re going to have some tough questions for their senators.”
Targeting Vulnerable Lawmakers in Swing States
But wait, there’s more! The Liberty Policy Foundation is also planning to send out mailers in pivotal states, calling out Biden and other politicians they deem vulnerable, like Democrat Senators Jacky Rosen, Bob Casey, Tammy Baldwin, Jon Tester, and Rep. Elissa Slotkin. They’re starting with a five-figure sum of cash in each targeted state, and they’re not ruling out the possibility of expanding to digital and TV ads. Talk about going all in!
Other Groups Joining the Fray
It’s not just the Liberty Policy Foundation that’s getting in on the action. The New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association has kicked off a campaign to get candidates to oppose the ban, and they’ve got some interesting stats to share. After Massachusetts put the kibosh on menthol cigarettes, the state’s illicit market ballooned, with contraband cigarette seizures jumping from 5,377 in 2021 to a whopping 18,483 in 2022.
And let’s not forget about the conservative advocacy group Building Americas Future. They’re launching a six-figure ad buy across multiple 2024 swing states and congressional districts. Clearly, this proposed menthol cigarette ban is lighting a fire under a lot of folks.
Concerns from Law Enforcement and Community Leaders
But it’s not just advocacy groups that are raising eyebrows. Former law enforcement officials have voiced their concerns, too. Jorge Colina, the ex-chief of police for the City of Miami, told Gitty Gazette Digital that this ban could create a perfect storm for Mexican cartels to swoop in and dominate the U.S. black market for menthol cigarettes.
And it’s not just about the cartels. Some Black leaders, like Rev. Al Sharpton, are worried about the “unintended consequences” for their communities. Sharpton painted a picture of a world where a simple traffic stop could escalate because of a pack of Kools or Newports, leading to more black market activity and potential conflicts.
The FDA’s Stance and Support for the Ban
On the flip side, when the FDA rolled out the proposed rule in April 2022, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was all about the positives. He said the ban would protect kids and help adult smokers quit, not to mention address tobacco-related health disparities.
Proponents like Harold Wimmer, CEO and President of the American Lung Association, are chomping at the bit for these rules to be finalized. Wimmer believes that ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars will be a lifesaving move and a significant step toward health equity.
And it’s not just the American Lung Association that’s on board. The NAACP, 100 Black Men of America Inc., U.S. Conference of Mayors, and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids are all giving the FDA’s proposal a thumbs up.
So, there you have it, folks. The proposed menthol cigarette ban is causing quite the stir, with the Liberty Policy Foundation and other groups gearing up for a battle royale. Whether you’re for or against the ban, one thing’s for sure: this debate is far from over, and it’s bound to keep the political pot simmering for quite some time.
