Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
472516517
label
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids [binder]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
472516517
contentType
document
title
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids [binder]
citationUrl
collections
Records of the Office of the Chief of Staff (Clinton Administration)
Jennifer O'Connor's Subject Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
472516517
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
2800759-20240267S-049-009-2024
[Tobacco]
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
4a0b7edeb62285e5
ocrText
CT
isi
2,
CAMPAIGN 3 for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
JG
JSA
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids
A new, privately-funded, national organization has been established to focus the nation's attention
and energies on reducing tobacco use among children. The National Center for Tobacco-Free
Kids is the country's most significant non-governmental initiative ever launched to protect
children from tobacco addiction.
The center's mandate is to change the social environment and public policies to decrease youth
tobacco use, to limit the marketing and sales of tobacco to children and to serve as a counter
force to the tobacco industry and its special interests.
The Center will work with a broad range of health, education and community organizations,
private industry and a bipartisan coalition of political leaders to: serve as a communications center
to disseminate information and develop media campaigns and events; provide assistance to state
and community-level tobacco control programs; conduct outreach to broaden the base of
organizations involved; undertake research and analysis; coordinate with federal, state and local
governments; and engage in advocacy for supportive public policies.
Long-term investments in the Center have been made by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
and the American Cancer Society. Other funders to date are the Annie B. Casey Foundation, the
Conrad Hilton Foundation, and the Kaiser family Foundation. The Henry Ford Health System is
also assisting.
The Center grew out of the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS, a national initiative to
stop the illegal sale and unethical marketing of tobacco to children. A toll-free number
(1-800-284-KIDS) is being utilized to encourage the public and interested organizations to get
involved.
Organizations playing key partnership roles in the new Center include the American Cancer
Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, American Academy of
Pediatrics, American Medical Association, the National PTA and the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation. Other organizations are also participating.
The Center is a free-standing institution, based in Washington, D.C., with its own board and staff.
It will be fully operational in June, 1996, at which time the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE
KIDS will be incorporated into the Center.
For More information on the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids and the CAMPAIGN FOR
TOBACCO-FREE KIDS, call (202)296-5469.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE BY YOUTH
1707 L STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
PHONE 202 296 5469
FAX 202 296 5427
EMAIL: [email protected]
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids
A new, privately-funded, national organization has been established to focus the nation's attention
and energies on reducing tobacco use among children. The National Center for Tobacco-Free
Kids is the country's most significant non-governmental initiative ever launched to protect
children from tobacco addiction.
The center's mandate is to change the social environment and public policies to decrease youth
tobacco use, to limit the marketing and sales of tobacco to children and to serve as a counter
force to the tobacco industry and its special interests.
The Center will work with a broad range of health, education and community organizations,
private industry and a bipartisan coalition of political leaders to: serve as a communications center
to disseminate information and develop media campaigns and events; provide assistance to state
and community-level tobacco control programs; conduct outreach to broaden the base of
organizations involved; undertake research and analysis; coordinate with federal, state and local
governments; and engage in advocacy for supportive public policies.
Long-term investments in the Center have been made by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
and the American Cancer Society. Other funders to date are the Annie B. Casey Foundation, the
Conrad Hilton Foundation, and the Kaiser family Foundation. The Henry Ford Health System is
also assisting.
The Center grew out of the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS, a national initiative to
stop the illegal sale and unethical marketing of tobacco to children. A toll-free number
(1-800-284-KIDS) is being utilized to encourage the public and interested organizations to get
involved.
Organizations playing key partnership roles in the new Center include the American Cancer
Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, American Academy of
Pediatrics, American Medical Association, the National PTA and the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation. Other organizations are also participating.
The Center is a free-standing institution, based in Washington, D.C., with its own board and staff.
It will be fully operational in June, 1996, at which time the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE
KIDS will be incorporated into the Center.
For More information on the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids and the CAMPAIGN FOR
TOBACCO-FREE KIDS, call (202)296-5469.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE BY YOUTH
1707 L STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
PHONE 202 296 5469
FAX 202 296 5427
EMAIL: [email protected]
From : NOVELLI
PHONE No. : 3014696325
Feb. 10 1996 1:00PM P02
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
Embargoed for release:
CONTACT: Brian Ruberry
Monday, Feb. 12, 1996
Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids
202-705-3355 x233
Joe Marx
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
609-243-5946/5937
Steve Dickinson
American Cancer Society
404-329-5739
MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CENTER FOUNDED TO CURB TOBACCO USE BY CHILDREN
Washington, Feb. 12--A new, privately-funded, national organization is opening here to focus
the nation's attention and action on reducing tobacco use among children. With more than $30
million in start-up funds, The National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids is the country's most significant
non-governmental initiative ever launched to decrease youth tobacco use.
The Center's mandate is to change the social environment and public policies to reduce
tobacco use by children, and serve as a counter force to the tobacco industry and its special
interests.
The Center will work with a broad range of health, education and community organizations,
private industry, and a bipartisan coalition of political leaders to: 1) serve as a communications and
media center to counter the tobacco industry's marketing and sales practices that appeal to children;
2) provide technical assistance to state and community-level tobacco control education efforts;
3) conduct outreach to broaden the base and depth of national support to reduce tobacco use by
children and; 4) engage in advocacy for supportive public policies.
The Center grew out of the Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids, a national initiative to stop the
illegal sale and the unethical marketing of tobacco to children. Organizations playing key partnership
roles in the new enterprise include the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association,
American Academy of Pediatrics, American Lung Association, American Medical Association,
National PTA, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Other organizations are also participating.
William D. Novelli, Director of the Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids, has been appointed the
Center's president. Novelli was president of Porter/Novelli, one of the nation's largest public
relations agencies, and executive vice president of CARE.
"For decades our families and communities have been manipulated by the tobacco industry,
a powerful force that spends billions to attract kids, to control special interest politics and to protect
COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE BY YOUTH
1707 L STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
PHONE 202 290 5469
FAX 202 296 $427
EMAIL: [email protected]
R=94%
3014696325
02-10-96 12:54PM P002 #07
From : NOVELLI
PHONE No. : 3014696325
Feb. 10 1996 1:01PM P03
its profits," says Novelli, who noted that the tobacco industry's marketing budget doubled to more
than $6 billion in the past 10 years. "We'll never match them dollar for dollar, but this bold Initiative
will have the resources to keep tobacco companies from addicting new generations of smokers."
Matthew L. Myers, partner in the law firm of Asbill, Junkin & Myers and a prominent tobacco-
control advocate, is joining the Center to direct public policy and as general counsel.
Long-term investments In the Center have been made by The Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation, which has contributed an Initial $20 million, and The American Cancer Society, which
has committed up to $10 million. Other funders to date are the Annie B. Casey Foundation, the
Conrad Hilton Foundation, the Kaiser Family Foundation, the American Heart Association and the
American Medical Association. The Henry Ford Health System is also participating in the Center.
"We envision the Center becoming the centerpiece of the nation's efforts to prevent kids
from starting to smoke-one of our country's highest health priorities," says Steven A. Schroeder,
MD, president of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
John Seffrin, Ph.D., the American Cancer Society's chief executive officer, says "Since
tobacco is the number one avoidable cause of cancer, we Intend to put more resources than ever
into helping children avoid smoking. Our goal is to make major progress in reducing the enormous
burden of tobacco-related disease in our country."
Tobacco is the nation's most significant cause of premature death and disease. More than
4.1 million American children and youth smoke an estimated 500 million packs of cigarettes a year;
25 percent of this country's smokeless tobacco users are under 18. of the 3,000 young people who
begin smoking every day, one third will die tobacco-related deaths.
While adult smoking has declined in the last 25 years, teenage smoking has risen sharply in
recent years. A University of Michigan study released last year showed smoking among teens has
increased to the highest level in 16 years. The increase Is greatest among 8th and 10th graders
where current smokers rose 34 percent between 1991 and 1995.
Fran DuMelle, chairman of the Coalition on Smoking OR Health (American Cancer Society,
American Heart Association, American Lung Association) said, "The Center will add urgently
needed resources to fight the tobacco industry and its allies at the federal, state and local levels."
The Center will be a free-standing institution with Its own board and staff. It will become
operational in June 1996, at which time the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids will be incorporated
into the Center.
The Center's mission is built on the dedication of parents, teachers, civic leaders and others
across the country who work every day to educate youth about the dangers of smoking and who
have pledged to stop the marketing practices that make tobacco attractive to children.
###
R=94%
3014696325
02-10-96 12:54PM P003 #07
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS
DETERMINED TO BE AN ADMINISTRATIVE
BRIEFING BOOK
2024- 02675
DATE:
4/25/24
NOVEMBER 17,1995
The CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS began in mid-September to support the
proposal by President Clinton and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the access
and appeal (industry marketing) of tobacco to children.
Two coalition organizations, the Coalition on Smoking OR Health and the Coordinating
Committee to Prevent Tobacco Use by Youth, are staffing the CAMPAIGN. Funding and
assistance is provided by a number of organizations and individuals, including the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the
American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, and the Advocacy Institute.
The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National PTA, American
Nurses Association, American Public Health Association, The HMO Group, National Coalition of
Hispanic Health and Human Services Organization (COSSMHO), National Association of
Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals,
InterHealth/Protestant Health Alliance, Congress of National Black Churches, Secondhand
Smoke Awareness Program/National Medical Association and others are involved in and support
the CAMPAIGN.
The Campaign is undertaking initiatives in three main areas in order to influence public opinion
and the policy debate on the President's proposal: media activities (paid advertising and public
relations), organizational outreach, and advocating to the U.S. Congress. Activities are being
undertaken both nationally and in key states.
A toll-free number (1-800-284-KIDS) is being used in CAMPAIGN messages to encourage the
public and interested organizations to become involved.
This briefing book provides a status report on the CAMPAIGN's activities and our assessment of
the issue over the first two months of our work.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE BY YOUTH
1707 L STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
PHONE 202 296 5469
FAX 202 296 5427
EMAIL: [email protected]
Table of Contents
1
MEDIA RELATIONS
2
ADVERTISING
3
ORGANIZATIONAL
OUTREACH
4
LEGISLATIVE
5
OPPOSITION
AVERY
®
READY INDEX™ INDEXING SYSTEM
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
1
Divider Title:
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
MEDIA RELATIONS
Since the CAMPAIGN's inception, we have been conducting an aggressive media relations
program, based on the placement of stories, features, editorials, and op-ed pieces in major
publications and broadcast outlets, a news conference to announce the findings of Pierce, et. al.
concerning the effects of tobacco marketing on children's behavior, support for the INFACT
"Face the Faces" event ( a display of the victims of tobacco-related disease with good media
attendance and pick up), a 50-market radio tour, editorial-board meetings with representatives of
the Smoke Free Class of the Year 2000, and response to frequent media inquiries.
Approximately 70 spokespersons around the country have been recruited and have received
speaker's kits, and are being involved in media opportunities.
A negative response to the tobacco industry's advocacy advertising, the industry documents being
disclosed by the media, and other tobacco-related controversies have helped the CAMPAIGN
generate media coverage.
To date, media placement has been excellent. Major placements include editorials in the New
York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and Dallas Morning News (as well as others), three stories
in USA Today, plus stories in the Miami Herald (front page), Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun
Times, Raleigh News & Observer, and Los Angeles Times. Also, stories placed with national
columnists have included Ellen Goodman and Don Feder. Broadcast placement has included Fox
Network's "A Current Affair," CNN, CBS "This Morning," and ABC, NBC, CBS national news
broadcasts, as well as stories on local stations.
In addition, CAMPAIGN media initiatives have stimulated media coverage not directly placed or
responded to by our staff. We are working with the media on a large number of stories in
progress, and therefore it is expected that media coverage of the tobacco/children and
Clinton/FDA proposal will continue.
Plans are underway to conduct national and state-level news conferences early in the new year
(based on priorities from our key states plan), to continue major media placement efforts, to offer
op-eds and other materials for local placement by organizations participating in the CAMPAIGN,
and in other ways to continue the momentum that has been built.
To take advantage of the synergy between our media placement work and the CAMPAIGN
advertising, we are issuing a news release about the industry's ads and the CAMPAIGN's ads, and
conversely, planning to run an advertisement which excerpts key comments from the media
coverage we have stimulated.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE BY YOUTH
1707 L STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
PHONE 202 296 5469
FAX 202 296 5427
EMAIL: [email protected]
Two public relations agencies (Burness Communications and PR Solutions), two in-house staff,
plus the CAMPAIGN Director of Media Relations constitute the team creating these initiatives.
Media professionals from participating organizations are also undertaking placement activities.
In addition to planned media activities, the tobacco and children issue is volatile enough so that a
high level of flexibility is necessary in order to take advantage of breaking news and story
opportunities as they arise.
Following are a number of CAMPAIGN media placements, as well as other important coverage,
to indicate the quality and nature of the media coverage on the issue.
Selected Media Coverage
1. "Group Slams Campaign Contributions By Tobacco Firms," National Journal's
CongressDaily/A.M., November 14, 1995.
2. Leslie Savan, "Cigarettes, Death, & Taxes," Village Voice, November 14, 1995.
3. "Self-Censorship at CBS," New York Times, November 12, 1995.
4. A Current Affair, November 3, 1995.
5. Vincent Bufalino, "Up In Smoke: Exposing the Tobacco Industry's Deadly Hook," Chicago
Tribune, October 31, 1995.
6. Rance Crain, "Don't Let Advertising Go Up In Smoke," Advertising Age, October 30, 1995.
7. Bob Williams, "Burdened By Image, Joe Camel Packs It In For Now," (Raleigh) News &
Observer, October 26, 1995.
8. Don Feder, "Teens: Smoke Gets In Their Eyes," Boston Herald, October 25, 1995.
9. "Hooking Teen-Age Smokers," New York Times, October 24, 1995.
10. Richard Cohen, "Tobacco Hypocrites," Washington Post, October 20, 1995, p. A19.
11. "Youth Smoking," Dallas Morning News, October 20, 1995.
12. "Squelch Tobacco Ads," San Francisco Chronicle, October 19, 1995.
13. Yumiko Omo, "Ads Do Push Kids to Smoke, Study Suggests," Wall Street Journal, October
18, 1995.
14. Associated Press, "Ads Called Key Factor Behind Kids' Smoking," Chicago Sun-Times,
October 18, 1995.
15. Philip Hilts, "Ads Linked To Smoking By Children," New York Times, October 18, 1995.
16. Associated Press, "Youngsters Find Ads For Tobacco Persuasive," Washington Post, October
18, 1995.
17. Anthony Lewis, "Just Say No," New York Times, October 16, 1995
18. Martin Merzer, "Keeping Kids Off Cigarettes," Miami Herald, October 15, 1995.
19. Ellen Goodman, "Tobacco: Teenager's Friend," Washington Post, October 14, 1995.
20. "Face Values," Washington Post, October 5, 1995.
21. "New Studies Trace The Impact Of Tobacco Advertising," Science, October 1995.
22. "Tobacco Bill," Dallas Morning News, September 28, 1995.
23. "So Long, Joe. You Gotta Go," (Raleigh) News & Observer, September 28, 1995.
24. "Eighth-Graders Say They'll Stay Smoke-Free," USA Today, September 20, 1995.
CongressDaily/A.M.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1995
Group Slams Campaign Contributions By Tobacco Firms
A coalition of health and religious
tobacco industry to political parties
The advertisement claims that 85
groups are accusing tobacco companies
has increased 400 percent in 1995 -
percent of voters support restrictions on
of using campaign contributions to buy
with $1.6 million going to the parties,
tobacco product marketing that reaches
congressional oppo-
$1.5 million of which went to the GOP.
children.
HEALTH
sition to restrictions
Joy Epstein of Action on Smoking
However, Walker Merryman of the
on tobacco advertising and marketing
OR Health said the figure was a com-
Tobacco Institute said that, according
to children.
parison with the previous two years.
to an Aug. 22 Associated Press poll,
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free
A Clinton proposal would restrict
58 percent of Americans reject ban-
Kids is running an ad in today's Wash-
tobacco advertising, ban tobacco com-
ning tobacco logos at sporting events,
ington Post that says that the tobacco
pany sponsorship of sporting events and
and 53 percent oppose a ban on the use
industry has become the largest donor
restrict the distribution of cigarette-re-
of color and illustrations in outdoor
to the Republican Party in 1995 -
lated promotional items.
tobacco ads.
and links the donations to efforts by
The coalition ran the ad Monday
Merryman challenged the 400 per-
the Clinton administration to prohibit
in the New York Times, and plans to
cent figure used in the ad, and said the
tobacco-marketing that reaches chil-
run it Wednesday in USA Today and
tobacco industry would not be able to
dren.
Thursday in Roll Call, said a spokes-
get away with advertising that obscures
The ad says contributions by the
woman.
facts.
MEDIA
The Sell
November 14, 1995 VILLAGE VOICE
Nicoteen Meets the
Memoboro Man at the Tombstone Ad
Cigarettes, Death, Taxes
BY LESLIE SAVAN
ome of you probably noticed the
S
odd placement three weeks ago of a
full-page ad for Moonlight Tobac-
co Co.: it faced my column, which
smoked Moonlight for, among
other things, not mentioning its
R.J. Reynolds parentage. The
placement was an accident-the computer
did it! (Ad pages are assigned by computer
and not necessarily checked for opposing
ideas on opposite pages.) But, ad clout be-
ing what it is, you're no more likely to see a
repeat this week than you are to see ciga-
rette ads that feature black lungs. "Every
cigarette account we have called us very up-
set," says Voice ad director Kathy Thornton,
but so far not even RJR has pulled its very
substantial buy, including the weekly
"Camel Page" of club listings.
Anyway, RJR has bigger embarrass-
WHO SHOULD BE
ments to dodge. Like the recently revealed
1973 and 1976 in-house memos that urge
RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN,
the creation of new cigarette brands for
"the pre-smoker or 'learner,' "the 14-to-
A BUREAUCRAT OR YOU?
18-year group." The psychographically sor-
did marketing plan could have been drafted
"
Right now. the Federal biseaucracy wants to tell
A proven solution is to teach young people how to
today:
[a] new brand aimed at the
you and your children how to behave. in short
resist peer pressure and to enforce the exiscing bws
they want to become esponsible for teaching
50 stares denying children access to cigarettes
young smoker must somehow become the
your children about impor cant Mertyle decisions
We support and are funding efforts to expand
and values.
current educational programs for perents, teachers
In our society, the Government should not
and
that
teach
children
how
'in' brand and its promotion should em-
replace parents and teachers when it comes
peer
pressure
and
fully.
to educating our children above smoking
informed
decisions
phasize togetherness, belonging and group
and other important lifestyle decisions.
This message is brought to you in the interest
We all agree we must do something to keep
of an Informed debate by Reynolds Tobacco
cigarettes out of the hands of children under the 320
Company To receive free 12-page brochers and
acceptance, while at the same time empha-
of
eighteen.
But
the
answer
isn't
more
bureaucracy
Youth Education Kk. call
sizing individuality and 'doing one's own
TOGETHER, WE CAN WORK IT OUT:
thing.
The memo adds poignantly,
"The fragile, developing self-image of the
R. J. Reynolds portrays its opposition.
young person needs all of the support and
enhancement it can get." RJR says it never
Williamson Tobacco in 1991, explains how
acted on the suggestions, but Joe Camel et
cigarette companies add ammonia to boost
al. eventually accomplished the same goal:
nicotine's impact; a '92 B&W report asserts
adolescents are twice as likely as adults to
about its Philip Morris competition: "Am-
smoke the most advertised brands-Camel,
monia technology is critical to the Marl-
Marlboro, and Newport-according to a
boro character, taste and delivery." As these
government study.
menacing memos were coming to light, a
Another RJR memo, from 1972, con-
second former Marlboro Man, David
firms that tobacco's titans have long consid-
McLean, died cf lung cancer.
ered nicoteen, uh, nicotine to be exactly the
It's useful to keep such details in mind
addictive drug that the industry now
when weighing what to actually do and
swears under oath that it is not: "Tobacco
whom to support amid the storm of pro-
products, uniquely, contain and deliver
posals and counterproposals that make up
nicotine, a potent drug with a variety of
the Politix (as one Moonlight brand is
physiological effects.
Nicotine is
named) of cigarette advertising.
known to be a habit-forming alkaloid.
I must admit, I've avoided thinking
Thus a tobacco product is, in essence, a ve-
too hard about FDA and congressional
hicle for delivery of nicotine.
" Yet an-
other document, this time from Brown &
November 14, 1995 VILLACE VOICE
proposals for fear that any ad restrictions
vending-machine and mail-order
proposed by FDA demonstrate that
would butt up against sticky questions of
sales; end brand-name sponsorship
agency's complete disregard for the First
free speech - or, worse, butt up against the
Amendment," says John Fithian, counsel to
of sporting events; and zap give-
the Freedom To Advertise Coalition, a
popular cultural-renegade stance that
aways of gear that carry tobacco lo-
would tar ad restrictors (like me) as p.c.,
group of advertising organizations that
gos. This would pretty much leave
bureaucratic killjoys. Smoky ambivalence
have filed suit against the FDA. Harold
publications with primarily adult
seems SO much cooler. It's easy to be cynical
Shoup of the American Association of Ad-
readers as the only place to find ciga-
about the tobacco companies (the renegade
vertising Agencies, part of the coalition,
rette ads as we know them today.
stance, in fact, requires cynicism), but to
adds, "We are concerned about the rights
Depending on how the rules finally
support strong actions against their adver-
of marketers to advertise legal products and
shake out, the Voice, for instance,
tising can make one seem like quite the
the precedent this would set for other 'po-
might have to bury its Camel Page
goody two-shoes. Of course, the $6 billion
litically incorrect' but legal products."
under tombstones. (Of course, the
spent annually on tobacco advertising and
But it's not as if all legal products were
Voice could decide to refuse cigarette
promotion reinforces such social fears. Re-
ad-regulation-free. In most cases, ads for
ads in the first place, as have some
cent RJR ads have portrayed antismoking
securities exchanges may appear only as
daily newspapers.)
forces as fat old men who crave Big Gov-
tombstones, while most prescription phar-
These tough proposals may be
ernment (over the headline "Who Should
maceutical ads must provide extensive
softened by the time they leave the
Be Responsible for Your Children, a Bu-
warnings and a summary of side effects,
public-comment stage, now extend-
reaucrat or You?") and as LAPD-style cops
contraindications, and effectiveness. "Why
ed to January 2. The FDA already
(the "Federal Anti-Smoking Police" hand-
shouldn't tobacco-a product that has no
faces major lawsuits by the cigarette
cuff a middle-class white guy).
positive effects on health be held to at
companies and advertising organiza-
But considering that commercial free
least the same advertising standards as phar-
tions, not to mention a counterpro-
maceuticals?" asks Scott Ballin, chair of the
speech has never enjoyed the same protec-
posal by Senator Wendell Ford (D-
tions as political speech and that smokers are
Coalition on Smoking OR Health, which
KY). It would prohibit the FDA
not really the next Randy Weaver, I've come
has been instrumental in pushing for FDA
from regulating tobacco at all and
to a conclusion: Let's go, FDA! Let's go,
would substitute watered-down re-
authority over tobacco.
doomed Senate bills! Tax the ads to death!
"This rhetoric that tobacco advertising
strictions on underage cigarette mar-
Or cripple them. The Clinton-backed,
restrictions are somehow a slippery slope
keting, the one issue over which
teenage-targeted FDA proposals would de-
that will lead to the banning of caffeine or
even tobacco-state diehards mustn't
clare cigarettes a drug-delivery device and
foods that have fat in them is ludicrous,"
look too mercantile.
would: ban tobacco billboards within 1000
Ballin says. "Foods are already subject to
Nevertheless, the tobacco and
feet of schools; allow only "tombstone" ads
FDA regulation for safety, labeling, chemical
advertising industries are gasping
(black-and-white, text-only ads) for all out-
additives, and marketing. But the cigarette
for more ad breath, and their ritual
door and in-store advertising as well as for
industry is not required to list what's in its
invocations of free speech and slip-
publications that have at least 15 per cent
products.
If they're SO concerned about
pery slopes have become louder and
of their readers under age 18; prohibit
the FDA banning their product, why don't
ugrier. "The sweeping regulations
November 14, 1995 VILLAGE VOICE
they write [a prohibition on such a ban] in-
MESSAGE
though tobacco forces might still argue in
"Marlboro Unlimited," that Ad Age says "may
to the law? We could go with that."
TO
court that it's a disincentive to exercising
be one of the largest marketing efforts in pack-
Given the famous figure-that smok-
their free speech. (Another way to over-
age-goods history." Marlboro Unlimited will
ing kills 419,000 Americans a year, more
AND YOU THINK
come the charge that such legislation un-
peak in a sweepstakes, offering (a millennial)
than most other bad things combined (car
THIS LOOKS COOL?
fairly singles out tobacco is to end or limit
"2000 people a tour of Marlboro country in a
accidents, homicides, suicides, alcohol,
deductions for the advertising of all prod-
specially designed train," where, free from Belt-
heroin, cocaine, crack, fires, and AIDS)-
ucts, an idea that almost became law in
don't cigarettes deserve ad regulations a bit
way bureaucrats, they can presumably smoke ti
several states only to be beaten back by an
they croak.
stricter than they currently have? Basically,
apoplectic ad lobby crying, "The sky is
the rules are: Don't advertise on TV (except
At the same time, Philip Morris and RJR
falling!")
in plain sight as sporting event sponsors),
are both promoting antiunderage smoking cam
Even if the tax tactics could stand up
run the token surgeon general's warning,
Well, yeah, kinda
paigns. Philip Morris's "Action Against Access"
to constitutional challenges, they'd never
and claim to hold reverent the industry's 1964
attempts to dissuade stores from selling cigs to
There may be surer ways to pass constitu-
survive a Gingrich Congress in the first place.
voluntary code, which includes such often violat-
minors (though Minnesota's attorney general re-
tional muster while still discouraging cigarette
"Congress's so-called health committees have
ed commandments as "Cigarette advertising shall
cently charged that PM's promise to penalize re-
advertising. Yes, taxes. Proposals for excise taxes
been a graveyard for tobacco control legislation
tailers convicted of such sales "was made without
not suggest that smoking is essential to social
on cigarette sales are perennial, but the more in-
over the years," says Joe Marx of the Coalition on
any plan for serious implementation").
prominence
or sexual attraction.
teresting angle would eliminate the tax de-
Smoking OR Health. So don't hold your breath
Still, the FDA proposals are constitutional-
And even as its past youth-market ploys
ductibility for the advertising and promotion of
waiting for a major retreat of cigarette ads. By the
ly up for grabs. "The Supreme Court has pro-
come to light, RJR continues to hype its pro-
tobacco products. Bill Clinton said he was sur-
time the FDA's proposals have gone through the
tected commercial speech less than political
gram, "Right Decisions, Right Now" (resonat-
prised to hear of such an innovative approach
courts, Clinton could lose reelection (or just
speech," says Paul Rothstein, a Supreme Court
ing pleasantly with the Coors slogan "It's the
when Tabitha Soren suggested it to him on
change his mind), FDA chief David Kessler could
scholar at Georgetown University. "It has al-
right beer now"). One Right Right school
MTV, but actually senators Harkin and Bradley
be out, and the chance of any change at all could
lowed restrictions on advertising. You can regu-
poster shows two kids sneaking a smoke in the
have cosponsored such bills in '91, '93, and this
go the way of health care reform.
restroom with the headline, "AND YOU THINK
late where billboards are allowed. There are re-
year. Permitting deductions "allows almost $2
strictions on the advertising of alcoholic
THIS LOOKS COOL?" Well, yeah, maybe luke-
billion in subsidies in the form of tax breaks for
beverages in many states." But the Court tends
warm cool. Right Decisions is meant "to ad-
tobacco advertising," Harkin said last March.
o don't cry for Philip Morris, America.
dress the central issue of peer influence." Adver-
to run each case through a four-part obstacle
"How can we talk about welfare reform and cut-
course to determine whether commercial speech
ting school lunch programs when we're subsi-
S
Even if traditional cigarette advertising
tising influence is never mentioned, but a paper
were stymied, PM has a database with the
in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute
may be limited: the speech must concern lawful
dizing tobacco companies?"
names and addresses of at least 26 million
last month reports that 12- and 13-year-old kids
activity and not be misleading; the proposed
An RJR spokesman argues, "Every other
smokers, to whom they can ply more
limitations on that speech must have a substan-
are much more likely to be influenced to smoke
producer, of a legal consumer product has the
product and then pluck for "grassroots" support
tial government interest, directly advance the
by cigarette ads and gift-fraught promos than
right to deduct advertising costs as a business
when pressure must be applied. (Of the 40,000
government's interest, and be no more extensive
they are by pressure from peers and family
expense. Why shouldn't we?"
letters of comment piling up at the FDA,
than necessary to serve that interest. Under such
members. Apparently, Right Decisions,
The answer, of course, lies in the danger of
30,000 are form letters.) Philip Morris is also
criteria, "the FDA proposals could probably fly
launched in 1991, hasn't helped many kids
the product. "Congress has the power to deny
distributing a CD ROM-based game to bars-
ifit can be shown that they're very narrowly
make them. Between 1991 and 1994, according
tax deductions for harmful products," says Roth-
players match images from Marlboro's ad cam-
drawn to target ads directed at children," says
to the Centers for Disease Control, the preva-
stein. And compared to a probably protracted
paign, promotional materials, and Marlboro
Rothstein. "Though in today's world, that's a
lence of smoking among eighth graders rose 30
court battle over the FDA proposals, "Tax de-
Gear catalog. (This is what real Marlboro men
pretty difficult task."
per cent (a period that also saw the rise of RJR's
ductibility may be the safer way to go," he says-
do nowadays.) The game is part of a program,
CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
November 14, 1995 VILLACE VOICE
The Sell
CONTINUED FROM LAST PAGE
phallic phenom, Joe Camel).
for it." After swallowing his creative pride,
evil (except maybe when they contain am-
Reality is sounding way too much like
Sven unveils the new line: "Everything
monia); what is, is the lie multiplied millions
Thank You for Smoking, the hilarious
Your Parents Told You About Smoking Is
of times that says smoking is right. There is
Christopher Buckley novel, in which top
Right." "You know what I love about it?"
something gluttonous about advertising an
tobacco flack Nick Naylor dreams up a
Sven said. "Its dullness.
And yet," Sven
addictive substance. It double-dips into our
teenage antismoking campaign-not to
said, "its brilliance, if I may say so, is in its
psyche: It pushes something that is addictive
discourage their smoking, but to get the
deconstructability." "How's that?" [Nick
as if it weren't and it does SO through a
do-gooders off his back. When his adman,
asked.] "Say the last three words out loud."
process-advertising-whose life calling is to
Sven, devises a hard-hitting campaign that
" "Smoking Is Right."
addict us to any and all products.
threatens to be effective, Nick tells him to
"This Looks Cool." You don't have to be
replace it with "a turkey. It's going to have
p.c. to want to stop promoting a drug in ways
Research assistance: Christine Oreskovich and
to gobble, or my people aren't going to go
that are false. Cigarettes themselves are not
Seeta Gangadharan
The New York Times
11/12/95
plt
Self-Censorship at CBS
The emerging picture of what cigarette manu-
Electric Corporation about to be approved, a multi-
facturers have known and done or failed to do about
billion-dollar lawsuit would hardly have been a
the health hazards of tobacco is one of the biggest
welcome development. Some of the executives who
and most absorbing news stories of the year. Never-
helped kill the "60 Minutes" interview, including the
theless, "60 Minutes" has decided to spike an inter-
general counsel, stand to gain millions of dollars
view with a tobacco-industry whistleblower out of
themselves in stock options and other payments
fear of a lawsuit that the industry had not even
once the deal is approved. "60 Minutes" promises a
threatened to file. This act of self-censorship by the
report on this entire matter tonight. That report
country's most powerful and aggressive television
should include full disclosure of how much every
news program sends a chilling message to journal-
business and news executive involved in this deci-
ists investigating industry practices everywhere.
sion stands to make from the merger.
CBS's legal concerns over the interview were
CBS and its general counsel insist that no one
said to be based on fears that the subject of the
acted out of personal monetary interest, but the
interview, a former executive of the Brown & Wil-
network's action shows that media companies in
liamson Tobacco Corporation, had an agreement
play lose their journalistic aggressiveness when
with the company not to disclose internal company
they let lawyers and corporate executives make
matters. The CBS lawyers argued that the tobacco
decisions that ought to be the province of news
company, instead of claiming that it had been
executives. The same issue was raised last sum-
libeled by a false report, would simply declare that
mer, when ABC News settled a lawsuit with the
its former employee was committing a contract
Philip Morris Companies and the R. J. Reynolds
violation. CBS, these lawyers said, could then be
Tobacco Company, rather than contest it in court.
held liable and be directed to pay huge amounts in
Last week, Mike Wallace, the correspondent who
damages for inducing him to do so.
reported the story for "60 Minutes," acknowledged
One disheartening aspect of CBS's decision is
that CBS was influenced by that settlement when it
that the theory of liability for inducing someone to
killed the tobacco interview.
break a contract is almost wholly untested in news
None of these concerns would be so important
cases when First Amendment protections of free-
were it not for the fact that the atmosphere has been
dom of the press are at stake. Many legal scholars
chilled by the big tobacco companies' attempt to
argue that liability in such cases can be overriden
save a dying industry by using money and legal
when a public good is served, including public
threats to silence its critics. Their ugly effort will
health. Were this doctrine to be accepted, it would
fail because the Government, the scientific and
devastate independent journalism, which counts on
medical communities and the American people
people to come forth and speak of wrongs they know
have turned against their killing products. The
about inside protective organizations. In any event,
industry's campaign of intimidation and distortion
CBS's response to a feared suit under this doctrine
- arguing, for instance, that curbs on advertising of
was exactly wrong. New York-based news organiza-
cigarettes aimed at young people are an unwarrant-
tions often face legal challenges in unfriendly state
ed intrusion by slovenly government bureaucrats -
courts. They have an obligation to defend the jour-
cannot hold back the truth or the stricter regulation
nalistic franchise rather than cave in at the pros-
that is on the way. Eventually, too, the inside secrets
pect of litigation.
that people from the industry have to tell will make
But the most troubling part of CBS's decision is
their way into the public. Given the tide of principle
that it was made not by news executives but by
on this issue, it is a shame that CBS chose this
corporate officers who may have their minds on
moment to water down its report. The traditions of
money rather than public service these days. With a
Edward R. Murrow and "60 Minutes" itself were
$5.4 billion merger deal with the Westinghouse
diluted in the process.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1995
CURRENT
A CURRENT AFFAIR's Hidden Cameras
AFFAIR
Nab Tobacco Giant R.J. Reynolds
Distributing Cigarettes To Minors
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd on the New A CURRENT AFFAIR
A CURRENT AFFAIR's investigative unit catches representatives of cigarette
manufacturer R.J. Reynolds, disturbing promotional cigarettes to minors on Friday's
(11/3) A CURRENT AFFAIR broadcast. These actions seemingly contradict repeated
claims by the manufacturer that young people are not being targeted as customers.
The Sting: A CURRENT AFFAIR producers hired two underage smokers and asked
them to attend the Winston Cup races in North Carolina (homebase of the cigarette
manufacturer) where R.J. Reynolds had set up a promotional giveaway. Promotional reps
are seen giving Margie Bailey, 17, and Christine Coltellaro, 16, complimentary cigarettes
without asking for identification verifying their ages. As a result of A CURRENT
AFFAIR's investigation R.J. Reynolds' plans to suspend all the agents who worked the
races pending their own investigation of the incident.
Jimmy Holder, assistant manger of consumer event marketing for R.J. Reynolds, says
company policy is to check picture identification of everyone requesting cigarettes. When
confronted by A CURRENT AFFAIR investigative reporter Mike Salort and asked to
explain how two underage children easily got cigarettes, Holder says he stands by his
companies' policies. "Our policy is to card people who look underage." he tells Salort.
"We do not, at any time, try to get underage people to smoke. That is not what we're all
about."
Lynn Beasley, senior vice-president in charge of selling Camel and Winston brands, does
admit that the promotional program has its flaws, but make no apologies for the festive
tobacco marketing at sport events. "I am really deeply, deeply upset by it. / don't want kids
to smoke and / don't want to put cigarettes in the hands of children," she tells Salort. "I
think where we went wrong was in not absolutely requiring ID) for everyone regardless. of
what age they looked. / think when we put that procedure in place, we'll conduct our own
sting operation and we'll make sure it's happening."
Anti-smoking activist, pediatrician Alan Blum from Houston says that tobacco companies
spread their smoking message too wide. "People at R.J. Reynolds are selling fanatics.
They're in a selling frenzy." he tells Salort. California congressman Henry Waxman
agrees with Blum that the cigarette giveaways give the wrong message. "I just feel
cigarette companies are hypocrites. They clearly want to get kids to smoke even though
they say they don't." he says.
More on the New A CURRENT AFFAIR, Friday (11/3) with Anchor Jon Scott.
Press Contact: Feren Communications
Gary Denmark at 212-452-5829 or
Kelli Stich at 212-983-9898
If you DO NOT want to receive A CURRENT AFFAIR faxes,
please call Mark at 1-800-945-7460
Chicago Tribune, Tuesday, October 31, 1995
Section 1
15
Commentary
)))))
Up in smoke
Exposing the tobacco industry's deadly hook
By Vincent J. Bufalino
written by a director of research and development
for the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., discusses the
N
early every adult, adolescent or child for
need to offer "new brands tailored to the youth
that matter, can look at a tobacco image
market." The memo talks specifically about the
ad, such as Joe Camel, compare it with a
design of cigarettes geared to young people,
tobacco company's full page print ad that
including the precise amount of nicotine delivery
claims they don't want kids to smoke,
needed to supply the nicotine rush while keeping
such as those currently running in major national
the smoke less harsh for the younger, uninitiated
newspapers, and tell you which one packs more
"pre-smoker.
punch for young people.
The tobacco industry spends more than $6 billion
When it comes to marketing tobacco products to
each year to market and promote tobacco products.
children, the tobacco industry's actions speak louder
The result: 3,000 children begin smoking every day
than its words. While the industry says it does not
and 1,000 of them will eventually die from a tobacco-
want young people to smoke, it continues to
related disease. It's hard to imagine, but billions of
aggressively advertise to children and market to
dollars are being spent by tobacco companies to
them through promotional items, such as T-shirts,
encourage children to take up a deadly addiction
baseball caps and cigarette lighters.
and millions more spent in ad campaigns to deny
Now two scientific studies by researchers from
that it's happening. President Clinton and the
the University of California at San Diego show the
Federal Drug Administration have a proposal to
following:
reduce the access and appeal of tobacco to children.
1) Every, big promotional campaign by tobacco
Millions of Americans from more than 100 national
companies over the past 100 years has resulted in an
medical, religious, children's, teachers' and health
increase in smoking among youths 14-17 years old.
organizations support this proposal as part of a
2) Tobacco advertising plays a stronger role than
Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids.
peer pressure or other factors in encouraging non-
The campaign is also supported by a coalition of
smoking adolescents, especially the youngest ages
Republican and Democratic members of Congress
12-13, to become regular smokers. Readers can also
who have signed a "Commitment to Reduce the
do their own scientific study. Open the October
Access and Appeal of Tobacco to Children." Illinois
issue of Sports Illustrated, with kids' baseball hero
U.S. Reps. Richard Durbin (D-20th) and Sidney Yates
Ken Griffey Jr. on the cover, and there's a 10-page
(D-9th) have signed the commitment. We believe our
spread with Joe Camel and his buddies involved in
entire congressional delegation has a responsibility
various antics to promote Camel cigarettes. The
to support the FDA proposal and join this
average 9-year-old can probably tell you who this ad
bipartisan coalition and the millions of Americans
is trying to influence. Not coincidentally, an
who want to stop the tobacco industry from selling
estimated 17 percent of Sports Illustrated's readers
and marketing tobacco products to children.
are under age 18.
Tobacco company documents, reported in the
national media, show that the tobacco industry has
Vincent J. Bufalino is the medical director of the
been tailoring its products and its marketing
Edward Cardiovascular Institute in Naperville and is
campaigns to young people for years. One memo,
a member of American Heart Association's national
board of directors.
Advertising Age, October 30, 1995
RANCECRAIN
"In many other editorials, you have defended
advertising's role in building brands.
Don't let advertising
"Either advertising works or it doesn't.
Which is it?"
The writer is right. The ad business is hurting it-
go up in smoke
self by carrying the cigarette people's luggage.
Corporate chieftains who control their com-
panies' purse strings don't distinguish between
cigarette advertising (which might or might not
W
hat's going on here? The advertising in-
be a special case) and other advertising. They
dustry is intent on proving that advertis-
just note that ad trade groups back cigarette
ing doesn't work, while its critics are
companies' claims that advertising is ineffec-
trying just as hard to show it works too well.
tive in reaching new customers.
Is it any wonder that advertising continues to
Do their members know their trade associations
decline as the marketing technique of choice in
are spending membership dues on trying to con-
the eyes of top management?
vince legislators that cigarette advertising reaches
The cigarette industry is squarely to blame
only users of the product? To everyone else, the
for advertising's cockeyed position.
ads fall on deaf ears. The unintentional message:
Cigarette makers argue their ads have virtually
Don't use advertising if you want to attract con-
no effect on getting young
sumers who haven't yet tried your product.
people to smoke. Cigarette
I also wish the ad industry would let the
ads merely cause smokers
ACLU protect the cigarette industry's First
to switch from one brand to
Amendment privileges. The cigarette compa-
another, they claim. And
nies, when they're good and ready, are going to
the advertising trade associ-
"voluntarily" stop advertising anyway. So why
ations actively campaign to
should the advertising industry use up its good
reinforce this farcical and
credit protecting an industry that is cynically
damaging point of view.
using advertising to divert its critics?
Cigarette people main-
I know I'm the guy who argued that Joe
tain peer pressure is the
Camel didn't influence kids to take up the weed
culprit in getting kids to
(and I still think they were more attracted to
Crain
start smoking and that ad-
the character than to the concept of smoking).
vertising has little effect.
But the front-page article in The Wall Street
That's like saying cosmetics ads have no ef-
Journal the other week detailing how the cigarette
fect on girls too young to put on lipstick. Don't
companies add ammonia-based compounds to en-
brand preferences start forming early on?
hance the impact of the nicotine makes me realize
A letter to the editor in our publication hoists
that they will do anything to sell their product.
us up by our own petard. "In your Aug. 14 edi-
Eventually, their brazen excesses will lead to
torial about cigarette advertising, you state:
their demise, and I don't want to see the adver-
'No compelling evidence ties advertising to the
tising industry go down with them.
increase in underage smoking.'
Raleigh News & Observer
HE NEWS&OBSERVER
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1995
FINAL EDITION - 50 CENTS
Burdened by image, Joe Camel packs it in for now
By BOB WILLIAMS
The company says the droopy-
appeal to consumers is concerned-
fight underage smoking.
STAFF WRITER
nosed dromedary will continue to
and needs a short vacation.
Among measures under consider-
appear in a limited number of print
As the war on smoking heats up in
"Joe has always been just one of
ation by the FDA is a total ban on out-
adver disements and some retail pro-
Washington, one of the tobacco indus-
several advertising symbols we use
door cigarette advertising near
motional materials, but he now will
to promote Camel," RJR representa-
schools and a requirement that any
try's best-known soldiers - Joe
share the stage with a new icon: an
tive Maura Ellis says. "He's worked
other billboard advertising be
Camel - has been quietly sent to the
rear lines.
updated, neon-outlined version of the
very well, but we decided he needed
restricted to only black-and-white
traditional mustard colored camel
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. has
a short break to keep him fresh from
text. The agency will accept public
Joe Camel, the
decided to remove the suave cartoon
featured on the brand's packs for
a marketing standpoint."
comments on the proposed regula-
it of controversy
decades.
tions until January
pitchman for its Camel cigarettes
Ellis also says the timing of Joe's
5 back, has been
from all of its billboard advertising
For its part, RJR contends Joe is
"Our decision has absolutely noth-
hiatus has nothing to do with pro-
nl on hiatus.
through the end of the year
simply tired - at least where his
posed FDA regulations intended to
SEE JOE CAMEL, PAGE 14A
JOE CAMEL
lion Philip Morris spent on industry
leader Marlboro. Since his intro-
CONTINUED FROM ANGE IA
duction in 1988, Joe has been the
central character in HJR's adver-
ing to do with the proposed FDA
tising and promotional campaigns
regulations," she says. "Il was
for Camel.
strictly market driven."
Tobacco foes charge that has
Citing competitive concerns, Ellis
been too effective in attracting
declined to discuss when Joe Camel
underage smokers, an argument
might return to billboards or how
they are backing up with an
RJR might use the character in
increasing number of government
other promotional appeals through
and academic studies.
the end of the year.
One recent government study
Over the years, Joe has been fea-
showed that Camel was the brand
tured in all sorts of Camel ads,
of choice for 3 percent of teenage
sometimes playing the saxophone
smokers and 4 percent of adult
in a jazz band, sometimes teeing up
smokers before Joe was introduced
at a country club, sometimes trying
in 1988 By 1993, the percentage of
something else. His image was that
adult smokers choosing Camel was
of a hip camel-about-town con-
about the same, but the brand's
stantly surrounded by an entourage
market share among teenagers
of beautiful women and admiring
had risen to more than 13 percent.
buddies.
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. has replaced its ubiquitous advertising
Another government study
But some marketing experts say
symbol Joe Camel with this updated camel with a neon outline; it
found that Joe Camel was recog-
the cartoon camel that many critics
will appear on billboard ads for the time being.
nized by just as many 6-year-okls
contend is specifically designed to
STAFF PHOTO BY ROBERT MILLER
as Mickey Mouse.
appeal to children has simply
The head of one major anti-
become too controversial to anchor
Controversial or not, Joe clearly
sumers is "completely laughable."
smoking group says he hopes
a major worklwide advertising cam-
was performing his job of peddling
"The Joe Camel campaign has
increased public criticism will force
paign.
Camel cigarettes extremely well at
worked like ganghusters for them,"
Joe Camel into permanent retire-
"Because of all the charges that
the time of his demotion.
Garfield says. "RJR can offer up
ment.
he is used to get kids to smoke, Joe
Camel's sales, which were
whatever explanation they want to
"My guess is that RJR is trying
Camel himself has become a social
wheezing when Joe arrived on the
for pulling Joe off the billboards, but
to lay low with Joe Camel while the
issue in the minds of many people,"
scene in 1988, shot up 12 percent in
it's clear that the heat they were tak-
FDA decides what il is going to do;"
says John Sweeney, a marketing
the third quarter of this year. That
ing on the underage smoking issue
says Scott Ballin, executive direc-
professor at the University of North
was in stark contrast to declining
is the real reason they did it"
tor of the Coalition on Smoking or
Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Advertis-
sales of RJIt's other big premium
Although IWR wouldn't confirm
Health, a Washington-based anti-
ers - even tobacco companies -
brands, Winston and Salem, during
the figures, industry publications
smoking group. "He obviously sells
hate anything that even remotely
the same period.
say the company spent more than
a lot of cigarettes, but he also hurts
smacks of controversy. Remember
Bob Garfield, a columnist and
$32 million advertising Camel last
RJR a great deal in the public
Spuds McKenzie? One reason he
advertising critic for Advertising
year - making it the second most
debate over smoking. My hope is
got shelved was because there were
Age magazine, says RJR's claim
heavily promoted cigarette braud in
that Joe has become enough of a
charges he was designed to appeal
that it is lowering Joe's profile to
the country, trailing only the $75 mil-
liability that RJR will just go ahead
to kids."
keep the character fresh with con-
and retire him."
THE BOSTON HERALD. WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 25. 1995
27
DON FEDER
In a recent survey conduct-
ed at the University of Cali-
Teens: Smoke
fornia at San Diego, 60 per-
cent of 12- to 17-year-olds had
a favorite cigarette advertis-
ment. Joe Camel being the
gets in their eyes
most popular.
More than 30 percent had
at least one tobacco promo-
h what a friend we
Every day, 3,000 kids start
tional item, which really
O
have in R.J. Reynolds
smoking: 1,000 of them will
should include respirators
- patron of youth. civ-
eventually die of a nicotine-
and coffins. By the way, who
il liberties champion and
related disease. The annual
do you think exchanges Camel
upholder of family values.
death toll from smoking is
Cash or Marboro Miles for
The tobacco company is
420,000. Between 1991 and
those nifty T-shirts, caps and
running full-page ads cau-
1994, there was a 30 percent
gym bags - 37-year-old ac-
tioning us against the perils
countants?
increase in smoking among
of proposed Food and Drug
eighth-graders.
The poll found that kids
Administration regulations to
who could name a favorite
To counter this contagion,
combat adolescent nicotine
the FDA (not my favorite fed-
cigarette ad, or had or wanted
addiction.
eral agency, and one given to
to obtain a promotional item.
One ad warns the rules en-
were four times as likely to
authoritarian urges) wants to
tail the same "big govern-
ban cigarette vending ma-
start smoking as those who
ment solutions" that have
chines. require an age ID for
did not. By comparison, chil-
failed to counter "crime. un-
dren with friends or family
counter purchases, prohibit
employment, the deficit or
who smoke are only twice as
premiums like baseball caps
drugs."
and knapsacks with brand lo-
apt to pick up the habit.
Another suggests the mea-
gos and allow text-only ads in
If advertising doesn't in-
sures would violate parental
magazines with significant
fluence youth smoking, please
rights. ("Government should
youth readership.
explain the following: From
not replace parents
when
1989 to 1993. Marlboro's an-
The cancer salesmen
it comes to educating children
counter that advertising
nual advertising budget de-
about smoking.") I suspect
clined from $102 million to
doesn't affect consumer beha-
most parents would welcome
$75 million; Camel's increased
vior, at least when it comes to
additional aid in keeping
from $27 million to $43 mil-
kids. Do they spend hundreds
their kids away from ciga-
of millions annually touting
lion. In the same period, the
number of adolescents smok-
rettes.
their products to discourage
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-
potential customers?
ing Marlboros fell 13 percent,
Mass.) once noted that there
while the number buying Ca-
Peer pressure - that's
are certain things liberals are
what gets kids hooked, they
mels rose 64 percent. It must
"not-sa-pos-ta" say - like
have something to do with
tell us. More education is the
communism is evil and most
sunspots.
ticket.
people in prison belong there.
I too worry about govern-
Is bankruptcy R.J. Reyn-
There are also things that
ment becoming the national
olds' ultimate ambition? If a
conservatives like me are not-
nanny, telling us exactly what
person doesn't start smoking
sa-pos-ta say. We are not sup-
to ingest and mandating a
by age 18, there's only a 10
posed to talk about the impact
health regimen. But here
percent chance he'll ever
of smoking on children or the
we're talking about children
smoke. Unless it can get kids
fact that advertising plays a
courting death.
to light up. in a generation, it
Conservative defenders of
key role in the tragedy.
will be out of business.
We're for the free market.
the tobacco industry are put
So, while assuring us of its
We're anti-regulation. We
in the untenable position of
utter abhorence of the idea, it
don't want some granola eli-
arguing that when a school
cunningly courts the youth
tists forcing us to follow their
gives a condom to a teen, it
market - with considerable
prescriptions for good health.
sends a pro-promiscuity mes-
success. The young are par-
(Does this mean we should
sage; when Hollywood makes
ticularly susceptible to huck-
a slasher movie, it glorifies
oppose government-mandated
sterism. They are the only age
inoculations as well?)
violence; but when cigarette
group in which smoking is on
When it comes to teens and
companies promote their pro-
the rise.
tobacco. however, the dogma.
ducts as hip; cool, macho. etc.
tic application of these other-
(Joe Camel with his rakish
wise sound principles defies
air. the rugged Marlboro
logic. Conservatism should be
man) and give away gear with
obvious adolescent appeal -
reality-based.
it has zero impact
Bit of a consistency prob-
lem, no?
THE NEW YORK TIMES EDITORIALS/LETTERS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1995
Hooking Teen-Age Smokers
The Clinton Administration's efforts to regulate
year-olds who become regular smokers. The Virgin-
the sale of cigarettes to children have been bol-
ia Slims campaign, which targeted women in the
stered by recent research findings on advertising
1960's, for example, was followed by an increase in
and by revelations about cigarettes' content.
smoking among teen-age girls. Even if hooking
While the tobacco industry denies that it tar-
teen-agers was not the intent of the tobacco ads, the
gets teen-agers, new studies show that tobacco
companies have ample evidence of the effect.
advertising is more powerful than peer pressure in
In a separate study, the researchers found that
getting young people to take up smoking, a habit
advertising and marketing were more influential in
that for many becomes a lifetime addiction. The
persuading teen-agers to smoke than were peers or
likelihood of such addiction is enhanced by the fact
family members. Marketing campaigns, including
that many companies add ammonia-based com-
T-shirt giveaways, make even non-smoking teen-
pounds to their cigarettes, thereby increasing the
agers more receptive to the idea of smoking. That is
potency of the nicotine that a smoker inhales. This
tragic. Of every 3,000 children who begin smoking
double whammy - appealing to vulnerable young-
each day, 1,000 will die a tobacco-related death.
sters and serving up an enhanced dose of nicotine -
A report in The Wall Street Journal last week,
practically guarantees that new crops of cigarette
based on internal reports from Brown & Williamson
addicts will continue to be raised.
Tobacco Corporation, suggested that ammonia-re-
Most smokers pick up the habit in childhood
leasing chemicals added to tobacco make nicotine
and adolescence and become addicted within a few
more powerful because it is absorbed into the
years. Those who manage not to use tobacco prod-
bloodstream more quickly. Cigarette makers say
ucts by age 18 are highly unlikely to start smoking
the ammonia is added to enhance flavor and body,
during adulthood.
not to increase the amount of nicotine absorbed. But
Two new studies suggest that teen-agers are
if it turns out that the manufacturers are deliberate-
highly susceptible to cigarette ads. According to
ly enhancing nicotine's effect on the body, the
cancer researchers at the University of California
discovery will help justify the Food and Drug Ad-
at San Diego, clever tobacco ad campaigns have
ministration's efforts to regulate cigarettes as
resulted in an increase in the number of 14-to-17-
drugs - and keep them away from teen-agers.
Washington
Post
10/20/95
A19
Richard Cohen
Tobacco Hypocrites
"These guys would hand out samples at nursery school if they were allowed.'
NEW YORK-A parochial high school here
the ad. "HAS THE GOVERNMENT GOT ITS
tration's plans to prevent teenage smoking.
held a dance last week, and I happen to have
PRIORITIES RIGHT?"
make no sense whatever. Would the tobacco
The White House wants to severely limit ciga-
passed it twice-once on the way to a muse-
No. is the only answer the proverbial rea-
rette advertising, ban vending machine sales,
lobby argue that the government shouldn't reg-
um, then on the way back. The first time,
sonable man could offer. The ad puts its finger
prohibit the sponsorship of sporting or enter-
ulate the sale and advertising of liquor? A bet-
knots of kids were heading toward the dance.
on a vile evil-not cigarette smoking, as you
tainment events by brand names of cigarettes
ter question: If the government didn't regulate
Many of them were smoking. The second
might think, but "big Government solutions
(although not by the company itself) and de-
the industry, would it regulate itself? A cynical
time, the kids were milling around outside.
that have been proposed to curtail underage
clare cigarettes a drug delivery device.
answer: These guys would hand out samples at
smoking." After all, the ad points out that the
nursery school if they were allowed.
Once again, many of them were smoking. In
None of this is needed, the tobacco industry
loco parentis, I nearly went just plain loco.
government-we're talking "big Government"
says. It has declared its advertising ineffec-
Granted that advertising is not the sole rea-
now-has "not stopped crime, unemployment,
son kids take up smoking, but as a one-time
Those kids are a tragedy in the making.
tive-although for some reason it will persist
Sooner or later, their smoking will catch up
the deficit or drugs." It's true. The govern-
in spending massively on advertising cam-
smoker (ah, yes, a zealot like all converts), I
with them, and some of them will die before
ment has not stopped crime, unemployment,
paigns. "We all agree we must do something to
can testify to the validating power of advertis-
their time. Most of them will become addict-
the deficit or drugs. Sob.
keep cigarettes out of the hands of children
ing: See, what you'r doing is okay. Advertis-
I confess to grudging admiration of the to-
ing is, in effect, a form of peer pressure itself.
ed. since the teenage years are when the habit
under the age of eighteen," the newspaper ad
seems to stick. Let a 13-year-old smoke, and
bacco industry's tenacity. Given that nothing
says. "But the answer isn't more bureaucra-
It may well be where peer pressure origi-z
in due course you'll get one of the 418,000
good can be said about cigarettes, given that
cy." It's teaching "young people how to resist
nates-at least that is the hope behind any ad-
Americans who annually die of diseases
there is no question they are a health menace,
peer pressure."
vertising campaign. In the case of cigarettes,
I would have thought that shame alone would
it's an attempt to maintain a culture where
caused by the weed. I worry about those kids.
Scoff not, you cynics out there. The indus-
silence the industry and that-in repentance
smoking is still common-if not glamorous, as
Ah, but I am instructed to worry more
try has a point. Something akin to peer pres-
or atonement or some such thing-it would, in
it once was, then at least permissible.
about the government's efforts to do some-
sure must explain why few black kids smoke
fact, cooperate in its own dismantling. The
thing about those kids. In full-page newspaper
while many white ones do-only 5 percent of
The cigarette industry has suddenly be-
least you can do. if you happen to be a tobacco
ads, R. J. Reynolds shows a man, balding and
black high school seniors vs. 23 percent of
BY TIM BRINTON
come suspiciously ACLUish. But its reasons, I
industry executive, is turn over your fortune
their white counterparts. Black role models—
age. Underage smoking is up-30 percent
suspect, have more to do with making a buck
casually dressed. being handcuffed and placed
to charity and spend the rest of your life doing
entertainment figures, sports stars-are rare-
since 1991 among eighth-graders alone.
than with civil liberties. It is attempting to
in a "Federal Anti-Smoking Police" car. "The
good works.
ly seen smoking. White movie stars, especially
make smoking the equivalent of a constitution-
last thing our police forces want to worry
But the newspaper ads are doing some dam-
But the industry, instead, has turned on the
young ones, are often photographed with a
al right-free speech, assembly and lighting
about is America's 45 million smokers," says
age of their own. They are cynical attempts to
government. It is fighting the Clinton adminis-
cigarette. These fools are doing a lot of dam-
up. As a quitter, I reject that argument. As a
exploit anti-government sentiment, and they
cause, it's not worth dying for.
YOUTH SMOKING
Parents should teach; companies should listen
You've really got to hand it to Joe Camel:
dads. Tobacco marketers dismiss the
Not only is he, like, totally cool, he's also one
National Cancer Institute study as political
I
persistent dude. According to still another
advocacy.
study on what influences teens to start
Coming at the time the Clinton adminis-
smoking, youth-oriented advertising cam.
tration is trying to ban cigarette ads
paigns are the biggest single factor in the
directed at children and adolescents, the
phenomenon. Take a bow, Joe.
new findings are bound to fuel the
In fact, the Wall Street Journal reports
controversy.
that evidence just published in the Journal
The importance of the issue is only par-
:
of the National Cancer Institute indicates
tially reflected by the fact that, according to
that tobacco marketing is a more important
the Wall Street Journal, the tobacco indus-
/
factor in promoting smoking among the
try spent $6 billion on advertising and pro-
I
young than is peer pressure. In the real
motion in 1993.
I
world, peer pressure tends to kick in as an
Yet taking on the cartoon stars of the car-
I
important factor after Joe Camel-type ad
ton tsars cannot be the only strategy in the
campaigns have weakened their resistance
debate over teen smoking. There also is the
to smoking in the first place, says Dr. John
very practical proposal to raise the sales
Pierce, the program director of the Cancer
taxes on tobacco, which cut teen usage dra-
Prevention and Control Program at the Uni-
matically when it was tried in Canada.
versity of California, San Diego, and once
Families should not abdicate their
the U.S. surgeon general's chief tobacco
responsibility to set the example and teach
epidemiologist.
their children about the dangers of smok-
For their part, tobacco companies like
ing. And while tobacco companies enjoy the
Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco Holdings tra-
freedom to pursue whatever advertising
ditionally have argued that their advertis-
campaign they choose, they have a responsi-
ing isn't nearly as influential as the pres-
bility to listen to concerns about the role of
sure of friends or the examples of moms and
marketing in adolescent smoking.
1
DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10-20-955
San Trancisco Chronicle
THE VOICE OF THE WEST
EDITORIALS
Oct. 19,1915
Squelch Tobacco Ads
OMING AS IT DOES on the heels of
get our share of the youth market.
We
C
evidence that tobacco ads specifically
are presently. and I believe unfairly, con-
target young people, a new study
strained from directly promoting cigarettes
showing that marketing is the most power-
to the youth market."
ful influence on teen smokers provides po-
Unfortunately, the companies have not
tent grounds for regulation of cigarette ad-
been constrained enough, and their ad cam-
vertising.
paigns have been quite successful in creat-
The Food and Drug Administration has
ing new, young smokers.
proposed oversight of cigarette marketing
One study by researchers at the Univer-
and sales by ban-
sity of California that was released this
ning cigarette
week found that interest in advertising and
Cigarette
vending machines.
promotional gifts is a strong predictor of
requiring photo
whether a young person will smoke. Chil-
campaigns
identification
dren aged 12 to 17 who had never smoked
succeeded
proof-of-age to buy
and showed a high susceptibility to ciga-
tobacco, permit-
rette ads were twice as likely to have start-
in creating
ting black-and-
ed smoking as those who had a friend or
white texts-only
relative who smoked.
young
ads in publications,
A second study found that big promo-
smokers
and prohibiting
tional campaigns by cigarette manufactur-
outdoor tobacco
ers were correlated with increases in smok-
advertising near
ing among youths aged 14 to 17.
schools and playgrounds.
Despite claims by the tobacco industry
W
hen in doubt, the inclination should
be to opt for less government inter-
that it doesn't aim ads at teens, a tobacco
ference. But the tobacco companies leave
company memo written in 1973 that surfac-
no doubt they are working against the best
ed earlier this month indicated otherwise.
health interests of American youth. And
If the company is to prosper, the memo
their promises that they will regulate them-
from a top tobacco official said, "We must
selves ring hollow and belie past behavior.
Wall Street Journal
Oct. 18, 1995
ADVERTISING
Ads Do Push
Kids to Smoke,
Neither Leo Burnett of Chicago. which
creates Mariboro ads. nor Mezzina. Brown
of New York. which handles the Camel ads.
Study Suggests
would comment on the study. In all. the
tobacco industry spent $6 billion on adver-
tising and promotion in 1993, according to
the Federal Trade Commission.
By YUMIKO ONO
The report published today examined
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
3,536 California youths between the ages of
A team of public-health researchers
12 and 17 who said they had never smoked.
found provocative new evidence that to-
It determined which kids were ``suscepti-
bacco marketing plays a stronger role than
ble" to starting smoking by asking
peer pressure in influencing children to
whether they would accept a cigarette
start smoking.
offered by a best friend.
The study, to be published today in the
The researchers also came up with an
Journal of the National Cancer Institute,
index to show how receptive kids were to
counters the tobacco industry's longtime
cigarette marketing. asking them to name
claim that kids start smoking because of
a favorite cigarette ad. asking whether
peer pressure or the example of family
they owned cigarette-brand promotional
members. The industry argues that ads
items and other such questions. The study
are pitched exclusively at adults who al-
found the kids who were most receptive to
ready smoke.
tobacco marketing were four times more
Amid an unprecedented effort by Presi-
likely to be susceptible to starting smoking
dent Clinton and the Food and Drug Ad-
than kids who weren't receptive.
ministration to outlaw cigarette ads
By contrast, the researchers found that
pitched at kids. the new study was immedi-
having friends and family members who
ately seized as a powerful weapon by
smoked played a smaller role in whether a
antismoking activists.
youth was susceptible. Kids with the high-
"This reinforces what we had already
est exposure to smoking by friends and
believed. that kids are being used by the
family members were 90% more likely to be
industry." said Scott Ballin. chairman of
susceptible than kids who hadn't been
the Coalition on Smoking or Health. which
exposed to family members' smoking.
held a Washington news conference to
Earlier research found that such sus-
trumpet the study. "They are cultivated by
ceptible kids were two or three times more
the tobacco industry to use their prod-
likely to start smoking in the next four
ucts."
years than those who weren't susceptible.
Cigarette marketers quickly pointed to
"Tobacco marketing is the most influ-
other studies that shed doubt on the con-
ential factor in getting toward the first
nection between advertising and youth
step toward smoking initiation," said John
smoking. and disparaged the new report as
Please Turn to Page B2, Column 6
an act of political advocacy. "This study
was custom-made to dovetail with the
FDA proposal," said Thomas Lauria. a
spokesman for the Tobacco Institute, an
industry group.
ADVERTISING
Ads Do Persuade
Kids to Smoke,
A Study Suggests
Continued From Page BI
Pierce. program director of the Cancer
Prevention and Control Program at the
University of California, San Diego, who
co-authored the study with four other re-
searchers. "Kids who are collecting the
packs [to get promotional items) - they're
handling the products. That weakens their
resistance towards tobacco," he said.
Dr. Pierce, who served as the surgeon
general's chief tobacco epidemiologist in
the 1980s, added that peer pressure was
likely to play a strong role in influenc-
ing kids to smoke after their resistance to
smoking was already weakened by ads
and promotions.
The most popular ad with the kids was
Joe Camel. What's more, 11% of kids aged
16 to 17 said they already had a promo-
tional item from cigarette makers, even
though they said they never smoked.
Philip Morris referred reporters to sci-
entists rebutting the study's results. One
such scientist, Jean J. Boddewyn, profes-
sor of marketing and international busi-
ness at the Baruch College of the City
University of New York, said smoking
rates remained basically unchanged in
countries like Finland, where cigarette ads
have been banned since 1978.
RJR Nabisco Holdings' R.J. Reynolds
Tobacco unit said the researchers "take
advertising as one variable and point to
smoking incidence as a result." arguing
many other factors contribute to the deci-
sion to smoke. It said, "If this is a smoking
gun [that] the antismoking industry seeks
to use to shore up a sagging administration
effort to exert FDA jurisdiction to regulate
cigarettes, they are shooting blanks."
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
N 31
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1995
NATION
Ads Called
Key Factor
Behind Kids'
Smoking
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON-Of all of the
influences that can draw children
into a lifelong habit of smoking,
cigarette advertising is the most
persuasive. according to a survey
of California youngsters.
Peer pressure. family members
who smoke. or a combination of
the two are not nearly as powerful
in prompting the smoking urge
among children 12 to 17, a study
in the Journal of the National
Cancer Institute said.
"Tobacco marketing is much
stronger than peer pressure in get-
ting a youngster to take the first
step toward smoking." Dr. John P.
Pierce of the University of Califor-
nia. San Diego, a co-author of the
study, said Tuesday. "It is what
starts adolescents down the slip-
pery slope to addiction."
The study was supported, in
part. by the American Heart Asso-
ciation. one of more than 100
health organizations backing a
Food and Drug Administration
plan to control cigarette advertis-
ing and marketing.
Thomas Lauria of the Tobacco
Institute. an industry lobby group,
said that Pierce's data "was at best
dubious" and amounts to little
more than "advertising bashing."
"This flies in the face of what
many government bodies have
concluded. Lauria said.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1995
New York Times
B9
Ads Linked
To Smoking
By Children
New Studies Dispute
Industry Arguments
The most popular item received or
desired was a T-shirt with a logo of
Those with peers who smoke are
the cigarette brand on it.
1.92 times more susceptible than oth-
By PHILIP J. HILTS
ers, those with family members who
Dr. Pierce said the studies indicat-
smoke are 1.89 times more suscepti-
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 - Tobac-
ed "that marketing has an effect on
ble, and those who are most recep-
CO advertising is a stronger factor
children before they begin to
tive to advertising are 3.91 times
than peer pressure in encouraging
smoke," adding, "It is not that chil-
more susceptible, the study found.
children under 18 to smoke, a study
dren see an ad and start smoking,
The second study, to be published
released today has found.
but seeing the ads and handling the
in the journal Health Psychology
cigarette packs and the promotional
next month, shows that several big
The study was carried out by can-
gifts lessens their resistance, weak-
promotional campaigns by cigarette
cer researchers at the University of
ens their resolve, so that later on
makers were correlated with sudden
California at San Diego, along with a
they will be somewhat more willing
rises in the number of children 14 to
study showing that big promotional
to accept a cigarette from a peer
17 years old who started to smoke.
campaigns by cigarette makers
when it's offered."
The study found that shortly after
were correlated with increases in
Thomas Lauria, a spokesman for
the Virginia Slims campaign of the
smoking among youths 14 to 17 years
the Tobacco Institute, an industry
1960's and 70's by Philip Morris
old. The studies conflict with asser-
lobbying group here, said there was
U.S.A. Inc., the number of 14- to 17-
tions by the tobacco companies that
much other research showing that
year-old girls who started smoking
their advertising does not lead chil-
pressure from friends is the main
jumped to 8 percent from 4 percent
dren to start smoking.
reason children start smoking and
over two years.
One of the studies showed that an
demonstrating that advertising ap-
interest in tobacco advertising and
pears to have little or no influence in
in promotional gifts from tobacco
the decision to smoke.
companies was a strong predictor of
Dr. Pierce agreed, saying all pre-
whether a child would go on to
vious research focused on the time
smoke. While children with peers
that children take up smoking regu-
and family members who smoke are
larly. But his work, he said, shows
twice as likely to smoke as are those
that children are predisposed to be-
who do not have such influences,
come smokers or not, depending on
children who are receptive to adver-
their exposure to tobacco promo-
tising are two to four times as likely
tions and to other smokers.
to start smoking as are those who
One of the studies, which is being
are not receptive, the study said. The
published on Wednesday in The
researchers said they adjusted the
Journal of the National Cancer Insti-
figures so the different groups could
tute, was based on interviews with
be compared statistically.
3,536 children ages 12 to 17 who had
Thus, receptivity to tobacco ad-
never tried smoking.
The children were asked whether
vertising is twice as good an indica-
tor of whether a child will smoke as
they recognized cigarette advertise-
whether peers or family members
ments, whether they had prefer-
are smokers, said Dr. John P.
ences among advertisements,
Pierce, the lead author of the stud-
whether the advertisements sug-
ies, which are the first to examine
gested there were benefits to smok-
children's susceptibility to advertis-
ing, and whether they had received
ing and then to link that with future
or wanted to get promotional gifts
smoking rates.
like T-shirts and cigarette lighters
that the tobacco companies offer.
The studies found that many
The research then looked at those
youths who had never smoked had
who had high "receptivity" to the
received promotional gifts from to-
advertising - that is, those children
bacco companies or would like to
who had never tried smoking but
receive them. At ages 12 and 13, 3.5
who could remember specific ciga-
percent of those who have never
rette advertisements, and wanted or
tried cigarettes have received gifts
already had gifts with cigarette lo-
and 12.6 percent would like them. At
gos - and compared them with a
ages 14 and 15, 5.7 percent have
group of children considered likely
received gifts and 16.4 percent would
to become smokers. They found that
like them, and by ages 16 and 17, 10.7
those who were highly receptive to
have the gifts and 18.8 percent would
the advertisements were also more
like them.
likely to become smokers.
10-18-95 P.A2
THE WASHINGTON POST
Youngsters Find Ads
For Tobacco Persuasive
Of all of the influences that can draw chil-
dren into a lifelong habit of smoking, ciga-
rette advertising is the most persuasive, ac-
cording to a survey of California youngsters.
Peer pressure, the example of family
members who smoke, or a combination of
the two are not nearly as powerful in
prompting the smoking urge among children
12 to 17, when most start the habit, accord-
ing to a study published today in the Journal
of the National Cancer Institute.
"Tobacco marketing is much stronger
than peer pressure in getting a youngster to
take the first step toward smoking," said
John P. Pierce, of the University of Califor-
nia at San Diego, one of the authors.
The study was supported in part by the
American Heart Association, one of more
than 100 health organizations backing a
Food and Drug Administration plan to con-
trol cigarette advertising and marketing.
Pierce's study was based on interviews
with 3,536 California adolescents who had
never smoked, not even a puff. They were
asked questions that Pierce said measured a
willingness or tendency to begin smoking.
More than half the children said they
were familiar with some cigarette brands
and ads, and about one in five was eager to
own a cigarette company promotional item,
such as a T-shirt.
About 84 percent of the children thought
cigarette advertising promotes at least one
benefit from smoking. Among the 16- and
17-year-olds, 76.2 percent said cigarette ads
depicted the habit as enjoyable; 73 percent
viewed it as relaxing; 67 percent as a means
of reducing stress: and 41 percent believed
ads depicted smoking as a way of staying
thin. Forty percent of the nonsmoking
youngsters could name a brand of cigarettes
they would like to try.
-Associated Press
THE NEW YORK TIMES NATIONAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1995
Abroad at Home
Page
A15
ANTHONY LEWIS
Just Say No
BOSTON
ing machines to which children have
In recent weeks leading newspa-
easy access.
pers have carried full-page advertise-
A civilized community has just as
ments for the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco
much interest in keeping cigarettes
Company. They were message ads,
away from children as it does in
effective ones.
preventing underage driving and
The first featured a large photo-
drinking. For what is at issue is not
graph of a fat-faced man smiling a
just a private "life style." It is an
somehow menacing smile. Below it
addiction that imposes terrible costs
was the headline: "Who Should Be
on the community, killing more peo-
Responsible for Your Children, a Bu-
ple than alcohol or road accidents.
reaucrat or You?"
According to the U.S. Centers for
"The Federal bureaucracy wants
Disease Control, 418,000 smokers die
to tell you and your children how to
each year from tobacco-related
behave," the text said. "They want to
causes. And 53,000 non-smokers die
become responsible for teaching your
from causes related to secondary
children about important lifestyle de-
smoke.
cisions and values.
Drug and alcohol abuse are univer-
"We all agree we must do some-
sally recognized as social ills. But
thing to keep cigarettes out of the
illness caused by smoking costs the
hands of children under the age of 18.
Government twice as much as the
But the answer isn't more bureaucra-
medical effects of those two com-
cy. A proven solution is to teach young
bined: more than $48 billion in entitle-
people how to resist peer pressure."
ment payments for Medicare, Medic-
The unmentioned target was Presi-
aid, veterans' care and the like.
dent Clinton's proposed measures to
Adults are free to run the risks of
discourage teen-age children from
smoking. But if you asked heavy
smoking. On the basis of a scientific
smokers whether they wanted their
children to take up the habit, my
guess is that most would say no. They
know how powerful the addiction is,
Message ads from
how hard to escape.
If we are to reduce the human and
R. J. Reynolds.
material cost of smoking, it is crucial
to keep children from becoming
hooked. That is why President Clinton
proposed his program. And that is
finding that nicotine is an addictive
why R. J. Reynolds and other tobacco
drug, he would prohibit the sale of
companies are fighting it with ads
and lobbying.
cigarettes in vending machines and
The Reynolds advertising cam-
forbid tobacco company sponsorship
paign, with its kind offer of a brochure
of sports events.
for parents to help teen-agers resist
The second ad took up the point
about peer pressure. It showed five
peer pressure for smoking, is laugh-
able hypocrisy. Tobacco companies
teen-agers, one of them offering a
strive to hook young people. And not
pack of cigarettes to another who
least Reynolds, with its Joe Camel
turned it down with a disgusted look
on her face.
cartoon designed to appeal to kids.
"Experts have long maintained
"Teen-agers don't just 'happen' to
smoke," President Clinton said in
that the influence of peers is one of the
proposing his restraining measures
most influential factors in a child's
two months ago. "They're victims of
decision to smoke," the text said. The
billions of dollars of marketing and
ad offered parents a brochure on how
promotional campaigns designed by
to talk to their kids about resisting
top psychologists and advertising ex-
peer pressure to smoke.
perts."
The Reynolds campaign shrewdly
A 1973 memorandum by an R. J.
seizes on the current political fashion
Reynolds official, recently disclosed,
in this country, hatred of the Govern-
outlined a strategy to attract "learn-
ment. But it is just a tiny bit decep-
ing smokers." A Reynolds spokesman
tive in suggesting that what is in-
volved here is a Government at-
said it never became company policy.
Tobacco people live a dilemma.
tempt to dictate children's "life
styles."
They merchandise death, and they
want to prosper in their business. But
On the logic of this advertising,
they also want to look - and feel
there should be no Government ef-
forts to prevent driving by children.
like decent citizens. We may appreci-
ate their dilemma. But we do not have
Liquor should be available in vend-
to believe them.
The Miami Herald
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1995
CONTENTS COPYRIGHT 9 1995 THE MIAMI HE
Keeping
kids off
cigarettes
Anti-smoking ads'
stir controversy
By MARTIN MERZER
Herald Senior Writer
The ads are big and bold, and the advertiser is
revealed in smaller print:
How To Talk To Your Kids About Smoking
Before Someone Else Does. Who Should Be Respon-
sible For Your Children, A Bureaucrat Or You?
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. - the nation's sec-
ond largest producer of cigarettes, a company with
a large share of the youth market, the creator of
super-cool Joe Camel - is burning bushels of
money on a campaign to discourage underage
smoking.
"We don't want kids to smoke," said Maura
Ellis, a company spokeswoman. "We don't think
they have the judgment to weigh the health risks
associated with smoking to the benefits received."
The campaign is an atrocity, according to public
health officials. "It's ludicrous," said Carol Rug-
geri, assistant executive director of the American
Lung Association in Fort Lauderdale.
She and other anti-tobacco activists call the ads
misleading and hypocritical. They are convinced
that tobacco companies are trying to hook teenag-
ers. Tobacco companies deny it.
"Our marketing and advertising is designed to
speak to adult smokers of other products," Ellis
said. "Period."
That might knock the sunglasses off Joe Camel,
the hip, saxophone-playing RJR cartoon character
introduced in 1988. Within five years, Camel's
market share among underage smokers quadrupled
to 13 percent.
Both sides agree that this latest national ad cam-
paign - accompanied by a less ambitious effort by
Philip Morris, producer of Marlboro cigarettes,
also popular with teenagers - was kindled by a
recent initiative of the federal Feed
10A THE HERALD, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1995
S
Activists, ads wage
a battle of the butts
SMOKING, FROM 1A
Administration.
EDUCATING KIDS
The FDA's goal: to make ciga-
rettes less available and less allur-
The R.J. Reynolds ads offer a free 12-page brochure and
ing to teenagers. Despite progress
"Youth Education Kit." The material mostly attacks government
on other fronts, anti-tobacco
anti-tobacco efforts and repeats assertions made in the newspaper
activists have had little success in
ads. For a copy, call (800) 366-8441, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.
discouraging teens from smok-
to 5 p.m. (You may be asked to participate in a public opinion survey
ing.
sponsored by the company.)
Federal health officials say
Many health groups also offer counseling and guidance useful
3,000 teenagers - two-thirds of
to parents concerned about underage smoking. Among them:
them girls - begin smoking
American Lung Association, (800) LUNG-USA ([800] 586-
every day. Though the industry
4872), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
acknowledges.only "risks associ-
American Cancer Society, (800) 227-2345, Monday through
ated" with smoking, health offi-
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
cials say 750 of the teens who
American Heart Association (305) 373-5119, Monday through
begin smoking each day will die
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
prematurely from a smoking-in-
Tobacco-Free Florida Coalition, Darla Reyes, (305) 594-4363,
duced disease.
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kids smoke a lot
In Florida, customers must be
naments, offer premiums like
to confront 1 in the face of poy
at least 18 years old to legally buy
T-shirts, baseball caps and wall
erful pressures from their peers.
tobacco products, but high
posters.
For that reason, the ads an
school students still consume
Reyes' 14-year-old daughter,
industry spokesmen said, parent
millions of packs of cigarettes
Tiffany, attends Sheridan Hills
must help teens find ways
annually.
Christian School in Hoilywood.
Aiming to reduce underage
overcome peer pressure.
Some of Tiffany's classmates
smoking by 50 percent within
True. Reyes. Halpert and oth
already experiment with ciga-
seven years, the FDA proposed a
ers said. But considerable pres
rettes. A display promoting Mari-
ban on all cigarette vending
sure also comes, they said, from
boro clothing and other gear is
machines, an end to tobacco
tobacco industry advertising an
mounted near the cash register of
brand-name sponsorship of
promotion.
a convenience store just around
sporting events and strict limits
the corner from school.
"A kid is just a consumer t
on advertising and promotion.
them,' Halpert said, "more lung
The industry objects. It says
Butt bombardment
to blacken, more people to ge
parents - not the government
hooked."
"Everywhere you go, you see
- should mold young minds. It
PITCHMAN: Joe Camel
cigarettes advertised," Tiffany
says peer pressure has much
quadrupled sales to kids.
Reyes said. "You can't miss it."
greater influence on teens than
Andy Halpert, a 17-year-old
advertising. It says people hired'
years; nearly 75 percent continue
junior at Marjory Stoneman
to enforce the FDA proposals
smoking for at least seven years.
Douglas High in Parkland, said
would inflate an already bloated
Eighty-nine percent of adult
at least half of his classmates
bureaucracy.
smokers began smoking before
smoke or have smoked. He tried
"Right now, the Federal
the age of 18.
it himself but now is president of
bureaucracy wants to tell you and
"I have two of these ads on my
the Student Coalition Against
your children how to behave,"
desk right now, and they're a
Tobacco, a group represented in
says one ad, illustrated by a
joke," said Darla Reyes, Miami
16 states.
photo of a jowly, middle-aged
coordinator for the Tobacco-Free
"Whether the companies
man. "In short, they want to
Florida Coalition, a statewide
intend it or not, their ads are con-
become responsible for teaching
alliance of 60 medical groups.
vincing kids to smoke," Halpert
your children about important
"They're throwing it back on
said,
lifestyle decisions and values."
parents and society when it's
Nevertheless, RJR's current
Not true, health officials said.
their responsibility. They're the
campaign insists that peer pres-
The proposed regulations, they
ones who are hooking our kids.
sure and parental indifference
said. are intended solely to shield
It's all about power, money and
are the main causes of underage
children from seductive tobac-
greed. and the health of our chil-
smoking.
co-company efforts to hook them
dren."
"Only adults should ever face
on cigarettes.
Prevented from advertising on
the decision to smoke or not to
Studies show that only 5 per-
radio and television. tobacco
smoke," one ad said. "But the
cent of teenage smokers believe
companies put up ads in stadi-
fact is. deciding not to smoke is a
they will be smoking in five
ums, sponsor concerts and tour-
decision many adolescents have
R.J. REYNOLDS AD CAMPAIGN
AD WATCH
The following ads have appeared during the last three weeks in 25 major newspapers, including
The Herald. Produced by the Doig, Elliott and Schur ad agency of New York, they represent a new
phase of R.J. Reynolds' Together We Can Work It Out campaign that began about 18 months ago.
The company refuses to disclose the cost. Industry estimates are in the hundreds of thousands of
dollars.
CAN WE REALLY
MAKE THE UNDERAGE
SMOKING PROBLEM
SMALLER
BY MAKING THE
FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR
WHO SHOULD BE
BIGGER?
RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN,
KIDS ABOUT SMOKING BEFORE
A BUREAUCRAT OR YOU?
SOMEONE ELSE DOES.
AD: Can We Really Make The
AD: Who Should Be Responsible
AD: How To Talk To Your Kids
Underage Smoking Problem Smaller
For Your Children, A Bureaucrat Or
About Smoking Before Someone
By Making The Federal Bureaucracy
You?
Else Does.
Bigger?
Content: This one links the
Content: This ad concentrates
Content: Seeks to refocus the
company's two main themes - new
on the parental role in keeping kids
discussion, shifting it from underage
regulations would only nurture a
from smoking, a habit that is
smoking to the size of the federal
bloated bureaucracy and parents
described as "a risk factor for certain
government: "Americans have had
must assume the main responsibility
diseases." It continues: "As a parent,
enough of rampant Government
for preventing underage smoking:
you have a strong voice in helping
regulation. They've had enough of
"In our society, the Government
your child make the right decisions.
seeing their taxpayer dollars spent.
should not replace parents and
As the person they depend on most,
on measures that, either directly or
teachers when it comes to educating
you need to add your voice to the
indirectly, restrict the rights of adults
our children about smoking, drinking
many others trying to discourage
to make decisions for themselves."
and other important lifestyle
kids from smoking." The ad, like the
Analysis: There is some truth to
decisions."
others, offers a free pamphlet to
the claim that the FDA move could
Analysis: Most parents would
help parents talk about smoking with
enlarge some elements of
agree that they should assume the
their kids.
govemment. Eventual enforcement
primary role in educating their
Analysis: Tobacco is more than
would undoubtedly require
children about health risks like
a "risk factor." Some 50,000 studies
substantial numbers of workers. But
smoking; but many would not mind
have linked smoking and sickness.
the agency already regulates known
some government help in battling
Tobacco is a major cause of heart
health risks and many people
the tobacco industry's advertising
disease, lung cancer, mouth and
believe that to be a proper function
and promotion. Two-thirds of $4
throat cancer, other cancers,
of government. Health advocates
billion spent annually on tobacco
emphysema, chronic bronchitis,
say only the federal government has
advertising and promotion go to
chronic pulmonary disease and
the resources, they say, to protect
sporting events and other
strokes. An estimated three million
children from the industry.
promotions that appeal to young
people around the world die each
people. The industry's most effective
year from diseases caused or
tool, according to many experts, is
exacerbated by tobacco. The
R.J. Reynolds Joe Camel cartoon
pamphiet ignores the widely
character, often portrayed
acknowledged addictive qualities of
surrounded by adoring young adults.
smoking, which tobacco companies
"R.J. Reynolds is as effective as
deny.
the Disney Channel in reaching 6-
- MARTIN MERZER
year-old children," said a 1991 study
published by the Journal of the
American Medical Association.
The Herald
THE WASHINGTON POST
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1995
Page 423
Ellen Goodman
injury, the parents of Joe Camel are
insisting in ads that "we all agree we
must do something to keep cigarettes
Tobacco:
out of the hands of children under the
age of eighteen."
Well, trusting RJR to educate the kids
about smoking is like trusting Calvin
Teenager's
Klein to teach them about sex. The
tobacco industry first pledged not to
market to kids 30 years ago. If we had
collected the fines of up to $100,000
Friend
they pledged to levy on themselves for
every violation of their own code, we
could probably buy our own legislators.
BOSTON-I have to admit that the
Here is a hint about their education
tobacco industry is pretty nimble consid-
format. From a memo obtained by The
ering its size. Every time you think the
Washington Post, we now know that an
gargantua's been knocked out, up it
RJR executive proposed marketing to
comes, like an aging boxer with just
underage kids as long ago as the mid-
enough moves to stay in the ring for
1970s.
another round.
Claude E. Teague Jr.'s memo is sprin-
In its latest campaign, the industry
kled with references to the peer group
first created a villain so big, so bad, that
known as "pre-smokers" and "learners."
it hoped he would make them look good
RJR was told how to create "youth
by comparison. The evil eminence in the
brands" with a specific nicotine content
latest RJR ad campaign was none other
and specific taste that would overcome
than-EEEK!-A Big, Bad, Bloated Bu-
the kids' initial resistance to "the flavor
reaucrat.
of tobacco smoke [which] is initially
Appearing in newspapers across the
foreign and not pleasant."
country this month was the photo of a
The cigarette folks are nothing if not
smiling, fat, smug, old white guy, The
sympathetic toward adolescents. They
Unknown Bureaucrat, over a line that
share the pain. As the executive wrote,
asked: "Who Should Be Responsible For
"The fragile, developing self-image of
Your Children?"
the young person needs all of the sup-
"In our society," the ad warned, "the
port and enhancement it can get." All
government should not replace parents
the support it can inhale anyway.
and teachers when it comes to educat-
I have built up some resistance to
ing our children about smoking, drinking
hypocrisy over the years. But the offer
and other important lifestyle decisions."
to help kids resist peer pressure is too
Now comes another ad in which RJR
much for even my immune system. Peer
offers its corporate services-with a
pressure doesn't come out of the ozone.
straight face this time-as a partner to
These guys created it in their marketing
parents helping kids resist the "powerful
lab.
pressure from their peers" that leads
It wasn't just RJR that practiced what
them to that smoking "lifestyle." Ooce-
Teague preached. You can match Philip
ing sincerity, RJR implores us to "Lis-
Morris up against Reynolds, run the
ten. Emphasize. Be involved. And al-
Marlboro Man against Joe Camel The
ways bear in mind that growing up is
glamorous anorexic ads, the T-shirts,
hard to do." We should also give kids
the baseball caps, the racetrack promo-
tips on saying no. For example, kids "can
tions have been geared toward "pre-
use humor, an excellent way to defuse a
smokers" for decades.
tense situation."
How many times do we have. to
Is it possible the tobacco moguls are
discover what we already know about
going for the yucks themselves?
the tobacco pushers? Finally, the same
We are witnessing yet another move
parents who would like a v-chip in the
to slow down the first serious govern-
television set, a porn block on the Inter-
ment attempt at curtailing teenage
net and a lid on Calvin Klein's "creativi-
smoking. When the campaign was an-
ty" are lining up with health groups.
nounced in August for regulations to
Allow me to redirect the question in
curb cigarette ads and outlaw vending
the ad: "Who is more responsible toward
machine sales and self-service displays,
our children, a bureaucrat or RJR" You
the tobacco companies filed various law-
know, in just the right light, the Bureau-
suits and claimed they don't target mi-
crat from central villain casting looks
nors. Now, adding insult to nicotine
kinda friendly.
©1995, The Boston Globe Newspaper Co.
25
Face Values
P
ERHAPS YOU noticed the face that domi-
Ah, yes, peer pressure. The tobacco companies
nates a full-page advertisement from the
know a lot about peer pressure: It's still their
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. that's been
stock in trade in getting people to try that first
running in newspapers, including this one. What a
cigarette, which, more research suggests, hooks
face it is-vast, grinning and triple-jowled,
them so quickly that their power of "choice"
snaggle-toothed, unidentified and unprepossess-
becomes moot. That's why the new regulations
ingly smug, the very embodiment of well,
focus specifically on kids under 18 and on enforc-
what exactly? If you
ing those very laws-against distribution to mi-
couldn't decide just what
nors-that the ad offers as evidence that "to-
negative emotion you
gether, we can work it out."
were supposed to be feel-
Come to think of it, if we're going to work it
ing about this man (that's
out together, shouldn't we know who it is who
the guy on the left), R. J.
wants to work with us? Since R. J. Reynolds has
Reynolds is ready to help
introduced the concept of facial politics, we offer
out with a caption: "Who
for your assistance the likeness of James W.
Should Be Responsible For
Your Children, A Bureau-
Johnston, the chairman and CEO of R. J. Reyn-
olds. That's the alternative.
crat Or You?" Oh, a bu-
reaucrat! Well, we suppose
that settles the argument. What was the argu-
ment, anyway?
Actually, there isn't one-which we suppose is
Why R. J. Reynolds Co. and the rest are having to
resort to this ridiculous level of non-discussion in
their increasingly idea-free fight against the inev-
itable progress of tobacco regulation. The rest of
the ad's text is the tobacco corporations' familiar
plaint about how "the federal bureaucracy" is
trying to "become responsible for teaching your
children about important lifestyle decisions and
values," in this case, presumably, the recent and
admirable push by the White House to keep the
lethally addictive R. J. Reynolds flagship product
away from kids who are too young to know its
dangers. "We all agree we must do something to
keep cigarettes out of the hands of children under
the age of 18," the ad states piously. "A proven
solution is to teach young people how to resist
peer presure and to enforce the existing laws."
BY RAY LUSTIG-THE WASHINGTON POST
Washington Post 10/5/95 P.12
NEWS & COMMENT
HEALTH POLICY
smoke, "but not conclusive," says epidemi-
ologist Malcolm Maclure of the Harvard
New Studies Trace the Impact
School of Public Health. Nevertheless, he
adds, it's "certainly enough to justify action."
The first Pierce study, due
Of Tobacco Advertising
to be published in the November
issue of Health Psychology, found
that since the 1880s each of
A
packed press conference held last week
be an affront to objectivity,"
four major advertising drives
showcased two new studies guaranteed to get
says Thomas Lauria, spokesper-
correlated with increases in
the tobacco industry's goat. One indicates
son for the Tobacco Institute,
smoking among 14-to-17-year-
that cigarette advertising incites adolescents
the industry's lobbying group.
olds, but only of the sex tar-
to start smoking-rather than persuading
"We'll be taking a much closer
geted by the advertising. For ex-
adults who already smoke to switch brands as
look at the study because of
ample, increases in smoking rates
the industry claims. The second shows that
[Pierce's] blatant advocacy [of
among adolescent women-but
the industry's marketing efforts at least double
smoking restrictions]."
not teenage boys-coincided
the risk that certain adolescents would start
But Pierce told the press con-
with marketing campaigns for
smoking. Both studies were described at the
ference that his methodology
Chesterfield and Lucky Strike
press briefing by behavioral epidemiologist
will withstand efforts to dis-
in the mid-1920s, which in-
John Pierce of the University of California,
credit the studies. Science de-
cluded the famous "Reach for
San Diego, who directed the research.
cided to put his claim to the
a Lucky Instead of a Sweet"
The studies come just as the Food and
test by sending the studies to a
Persuasive. Promotions
advertisement. The only other
Drug Administration is spearheading a drive
handful of experts to critique.
like this increased smoking
times the study found that
to reduce smoking among children by 50% in
The verdict was mixed. Some
in target groups.
smoking increased without a
the next 7 years. Among the agency's pro-
said that the studies-which
major promotion was during
posed strategies: restrict tobacco advertising.
are notoriously hard to do-failed to distin-
the two world wars when soldiers were given
So not surprisingly, the tobacco industry
guish cause and effect. But most were sup-
free cigarettes.
came out swinging. "For people who are truly
portive: The first report is "strongly sugges-
That study focused solely on advertising.
scientifically orientated, Pierce's study should
tive" that advertising causes teenagers to
The second, published in the 18 October
Researchers Protest Attack on Tobacco Study
Public-health researchers are protesting what they view as an
tutes of Health (NIH) in August, saying that the appropriations
"unprecedented" case of meddling by Congress in a peer-reviewed
committee was "disturbed to learn about" Glantz's study. Porter's
research project. Twenty-nine health leaders and academics—
press aide, David Kohn, says the congressman learned about it
including Patricia Buffler, dean of public health at the University
from a newspaper reporter, who appears to have learned of it from
of California (UC), Berkeley-signed a newspaper ad last week
pro-smoking lobby organizations. The House report says that
blasting the House appropriations committee for trying to cancel
"such research projects do not properly fall within the boundaries
a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded study of pro-tobacco
of the NCI portfolio, especially when nearly three quarters of
lobbying. The ad attacks by name Representative John Porter
approved research projects go unfunded." The report calls for the
(R-IL)-prime mover in the House's vote to boost biomedical
grant to be stopped in this, its second year.
research this year and chair of the key appropriations
Instructions contained in congressional reports do
subcommittee-because he inserted language into a
not have the force of law but are usually obeyed,
report asking that the study be ended.
especially when they come from committee chairs,
The study that drew Porter's ire is being con-
M CONSTANTINI/SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER
and particularly if both the Senate and House agree.
ducted by Stanton Glantz, professor of medicine and
In this case, the Senate has not endorsed the attack
expert on heart function at UC San Francisco.
on Glantz's project, but could do SO in the final NIH
Glantz has become a thom in the side of the tobacco
bill, which is still pending in Congress.
industry. In 1994, he testified as an expert opposing
Last week's newspaper ad said Porter's move would
industry witnesses in regulatory hearings on the risks
let "tobacco companies pollute and limit scientific in-
of ambient cigarette smoke. This year, he created an
quiry." But Kohn says Porter regards such criticism as
Internet file at which anyone can view thousands of
"irresponsible" and "absurd." Kohn points out that Por-
pages of memos from the Brown & Williamson To-
ter-"an 18-year champion of biomedical research"-
bacco Company-internal documents that were
Congressional target.
has voted in the past against tobacco subsidies. He
dumped anonymously in Glantz's mailbox. (To view
Stanton Glantz of UCSF.
wants NCI to drop this study because it doesn't qualify as
the file, see http://www.library.ucsf.edu/tobacco/.
genuine clinical or behavioral research, Kohn says.
In 1993, Glantz won a 3-year, $600,000 grant from NCI to
Kohn adds that Porter would be delighted if NIH could find a
"determine the extent and nature of tobacco industry influence
way to pay for the study from "other sources," such as a discretion-
on state tobacco policy-making," according to an abstract. Glantz
ary account controlled by NIH Director Harold Varmus. Indeed,
and his research team have been collecting data on contributions
Porter met on 14 September with Varmus and NCI chief Richard
to state legislators by tobacco companies and analyzing the im-
Klausner, in an attempt to end the furor amicably. At the moment,
pact on state efforts to control smoking.
neither NIH nor NCI is saying what will happen to the hot project.
Porter inserted language into a report on the National Insti-
-Eliot Marshall
SCIENCE
VOL. 270
27 OCTOBER 1995
573
issue of the Journal of the National Cancer
twice as likely as others to be susceptible
making it difficult to separate out cause and
Institute (JNCI), also investigates the influ-
to taking up smoking. But even when peer
effect. For example, he says, in the second
ence of peer pressure in inducing adolescents
pressure was taken into account, adoles-
study, "kids who are contemplating taking up
to take up smoking. It is based on telephone
cents rated as receptive to advertising were
smoking may be more aware of advertising."
interviews with 3536 Californian adoles-
two to four times more likely to be in the
Pierce, however, is unfazed by the studies'
cents who said they had never smoked.
susceptible group than those rated as unre-
limitations. In public health, he says, "if
To assess the adolescents' receptiveness
ceptive. Because a third, as yet unpublished
something appears dangerous we pull it. The
to advertising, the Pierce team rated them on
study by the Pierce team indicates that sus-
prudent public health policy would be to pull
a five-point scale according to the answers
ceptibility predicts which adolescents even-
[cigarette] marketing until they can prove it
they gave to a series of questions about, for
tually smoke, the JNCI paper concludes
does no harm." Poole and Maclure agree.
example, whether they owned or would like
"that tobacco marketing may be a stronger
Maclure points out that in the 1980s some
to own any cigarette-related promotional
current influence than exposure to peer or
epidemiologists were skeptical that aspirin
items, and what was their favorite cigarette
family smokers" in encouraging adolescents
causes Reye's syndrome, but after then-Sur-
ad. The researchers gauged the influence of
to begin smoking.
geon General C. Everett Koop issued a warn-
peer pressure by asking the adolescents about
Maclure says that the study "shows
ing, drug companies changed their aspirin
use of tobacco among their family members
fairly clearly that even when you control for
labeling. And, says Maclure, "hundreds of
and best friends. Finally, adolescents were
peer pressure, receptiveness to advertising is
lives have been saved."
considered susceptible to taking up smoking
a major factor" in inducing teenagers to
But Pierce is not hopeful that the tobacco
if they failed to state unequivocally that they
smoke. But both Maclure and epidemiologist
companies will follow suit. Instead, he said,
would not in the future try a cigarette in
Charles Poole of Boston University, another
expect more advertising of the type the R.J.
response to two questions-one of which
ardent supporter of increased control of ciga-
Reynolds Tobacco Co. has placed in the New
asked "If one of your best friends were to offer
rettes, disagree with Pierce's claim that the
York Times and other major newspapers: It
you a cigarette, would you smoke it?"
results show that "tobacco marketing was
argues that "the answer [to teenage smoking]
Pierce and his colleagues found that ado-
twice as powerful" as peer pressure. Poole also
isn't more bureaucracy [but] to teach
lescents who were exposed to family mem-
points out that both published studies suffer
young people how to resist peer pressure."
bers and peers who smoked were almost
from "the classic chicken-and-egg problem,"
-Rachel Nowak
574
SCIENCE
VOL. 270
27 OCTOBER 1995
Thursday, Septem ber 28, 1995
DALLAS MORNING NEWS
TOBACCO BILL
Measure does little to address problem
The tobacco industry says it is concerned
regulation. And the federal agency would
about solving the problem of underage
seek $150 million annually from the tobacco
smoking in America.
industry for education programs aimed at
But recently submitted legislation, which
youthful customers.
has the industry's support, does little to
The crisis of underage smoking in this
address the real issue of marketing tobacco
nation won't be solved with half-measures
products to young people.
such as Mr. Ford's bill. An estimated 420,000
The bill introduced by Sen. Wendell Ford,
people are dying annually in the United
D-Ky., pales in comparison to the strong reg-
States from diseases related to tobacco use.
ulations proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug
And despite stepped-up warnings about the
Administration. Here are a few examples of
health hazards of smoking, teenagers are
the glaring differences.
purchasing at least 250 million packs of ciga-
Mr. Ford's bill prohibits billboard adver-
rettes illegally each year.
tising for cigarettes or smokeless tobacco
Congress should weigh in on the side of
within 500 feet of schools. But highway bill-
the Food and Drug Administration. Ameri-
boards facing away from schools are
cans must have something better than legis-
exempted. The FDA wants a total ban on out-
lation that still leaves gaping loopholes for
door advertising of tobacco products within
the tobacco industry to market its products
1,000 feet of schools.
to the young.
Mr. Ford's bill requires tobacco vending
machines to be in plain view and supervi-
sion of store operators. The FDA wants
tobacco sales to be made face-to-face, thus
eliminating vending machine sales.
The senator's bill limits free samples or
coupons for cigarettes or smokeless tobacco
products. But coupons still could be placed
in magazines if 85 percent of the subscribers
were over the age of 18. And it places no lim-
its in areas where underage people are not
permitted. The FDA's plan would prohibit
the distribution of free samples of cigarettes
or smokeless tobacco. Period.
The senator's bill would require states
to make it unlawful to sell tobacco products
to anyone under age 18 in order to receive
drug abuse block grants. The FDA places the
onus on the sellers, requiring them to verify
the purchasers' age through photo ID cards.
Mr. Ford's measure bans tobacco brand
names on video games and at family amuse-
ment centers. The FDA would ban the use of
cigarette and smokeless tobacco brand
names on any nontobacco item.
The senator's bill would deny the FDA
the right to regulate tobacco products. The
FDA would treat nicotine in tobacco as an
addictive drug that would require
So long, Joe. You gotta go
T
the people at RJ. Reynolds Tobac-
But as much as RJR must hope oth-
CO Co. say they are sending Joe
erwise, Joe Camel's fading doesn't
Camel on sabbatical purely to give
weaken the case for the Food and Drug
the critter a break before a fresh come-
Administration's proposed restrictions
back. All the criticism aimed at the
on cigarette ads and other promotions
industry for pitching cigarettes to kids
geared toward underage smokers. The
had nothing to do with it.
camel character is not the only mar-
Yeah, sure. This is the same business
keting ploy that attracts kids.
that still hasn't owned up to the fact that
If cigarettes weren't so harmful and
its product is addictive and lethal. And
if people weren't so easily hooked, such
it refuses to acknowledge that its own
regulation would not be necessary. But
profitability depends on hooking kids,
every year, smoking kills 400,000 people
since most smokers don't take up the
- people who usually started using
habit as adults.
tobacco as teens. It's time that Joe
Despite the denials of cigarette pro-
Camel and such gimmicks died so that
ducers, evidence is growing that adver-
real lives may be saved.
tising can have an impact on teen
smoking. When Joe Camel debuted in
1988, only 3 percent of teen smokers
chose the Camel brand: five years later.
13 percent were smoking Camels. RJR
didn't put $32 million last year into
Camel advertising for nothing.
10/23/95
THE NEWS & OBSERVER
R'leigh. NC
USA TODAY
THE NATION'S NEWSPAPER
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1995
7D
USA
TODAY
Eighth-graders
say they'll stay
smoke-free
According to these teens, the
Smoke-Free Class of 2000 project
need not make an appearance at
Harper's Choice Middle School.
None of them plans to smoke.
"I play sports - basketball -
and it's not good for you," says
Matthew McCathorine. "My
grandfather died of a heart attack
and he smoked," says David Ear-
ley. "But I wouldn't do it anyway.
That's just common sense."
Unfortunately, kids don't al-
ways display such common sense,
says Elizabeth Bridgers of the
American Cancer Society. When
America's kids who will graduate
from high school in 2000 entered
first grade, the ACS teamed up
with the American Heart Associa-
tion and the American Lung Asso-
ciation for a 12-year education
and awareness campaign: The
Smoke-Free Class of 2000.
The program is endorsed by a
dozen national groups, including
the National Education Associa-
tion, the National PTA and the
American Medical Association.
Each year the campaign
reaches 2 million students with its
anti-smoking message. Eighth
grade is "a crucial point for our
students," Bridgers says. "By this
year they are likely to entertain
the thought of trying tobacco."
Studies show the need:
Smoking among eighth-grad-
ers rose 30% from 1991-94.
Only 50% of eighth-graders
believe a pack a day is risky.
Most smokers start by age 16.
Now 3.1 million teens smoke.
This year's new project is the
video Too Smart to Start, Too
Cool to Smoke, created for
eighth-grade students but suitable
for ages 13 to 17.
Harper's Choice addresses
smoking in health classes but not
with this program. And the eighth-
graders say they don't need it.
"Nobody can make you
smoke," says Marissa Schwartz.
We'll check again in high
school.
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
2
Divider Title:
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
CAMPAIGN ADVERTISING
As part of the effort to influence public opinion and the policy debate in favor of the President's
and FDA's proposal to limit the access and appeal of tobacco to children, advertising is being
used selectively to communicate CAMPAIGN messages.
National Newspaper Advertisements
A series of three flights of ads have been run to date. Each flight has utilized a different
advertisement, as follows:
Flight 1 -- "The Tobacco Industry Can't be Trusted With America's Children," --
October 18-25.
Flight 2 -- "Can You Name the Most Heavily Advertised Cigarette Brands?" --
November 2-8.
Flight 3 - - "What Are Tobacco Lobbyists Trying to Buy From Congress?" --
November 13 -16.
Each flight ran in the New York Times national edition on the op-ed page, in the Washington Post
on the Federal Page (except the third ad, which appeared on the Congressional page -- A4), in
USA Today's main news section, and in Roll Call (preferred placement).
This selection of newspapers provided national coverage and also concentrated the messages
among influentials as well as staff and Members of Congress. National coverage is needed not
only for public communication, but also to energize the many volunteers, members and
constituents of organizations involved and participating in the CAMPAIGN.*
The purpose of the ads is to encourage comments on the FDA proposal, to counterbalance the
heavy tobacco industry ad weight against the FDA initiative, and to inform the Congress that a
strong grassroots coalition exists in support of the Clinton administration's effort to control
tobacco use among children.
A large number of organizations have sponsored the ads, all under the banner of the CAMPAIGN
FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS. This sponsorship is part of the message - many large and varied
organizations and their members want the FDA proposal to succeed.
* Note: The first ad also appeared in several newspapers in Southern States as part of a special
initiative.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE BY YOUTH
1707 L STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
PHONE 202 296 5469
FAX 202 296 5427
EMAIL: [email protected]
The ads are also being used in a number of other ways. Organizations are carrying them in
newsletters and other publications, some organizations are running them in local-market media,
and solicitations to new organizations to join the CAMPAIGN include copies of the
advertisements for such distribution.
Scholastic Advertisements
In addition to the national newspaper advertisements, the CAMPAIGN placed inserts in the
November edition of three of Scholastic Inc.'s publications that reach tens of thousands of
students, teachers, parents, and education-policy influentials across the country. The
CAMPAIGN's inserts in Scholastic's publications for primary- and secondary-schools feature a
message to teachers informing them of the importance of the FDA regulations. Teachers are
asked to copy the other side of the insert and send it home to their students' parents. The inserts
ask teachers and parents to send letters to the FDA, Congress, and local media.
The third insert, which appears in Scholastic's Agenda magazine, addresses concerned citizens
and employers who have an interest in education-reform policy. The insert asks them to support
the President's initiative to protect our kids through letters and phone calls.
In addition to the inserts, Scholastic Inc. has also collaborated by: sending a letter with the inserts
to 500 organizations (list supplied by CAMPAIGN) inviting them to reproduce and use the inserts
with their members; and setting up an online "chat" with Secretary Shalala, hosted by American
Online and reaching upwards of 500,000 schoolchildren.
Additional advertising on behalf of the CAMPAIGN is planned.
The Tobacco
Industry Can't
be Trusted with
America's
Children
They say there is no
Do you believe them? 3,000 children begin
proof that smoking and
smoking every day, and the rate is increasing, espe-
cially among younger kids. Almost all of them smoke
smokeless tobacco cause
one of the three most heavily advertised brands. One
disease and death.
third will eventually die of their addiction.
President Clinton and the Food & Drug Administra-
They claim nicotine
tion, joined by many members of Congress-
Republicans and Democrats-have proposed new
isn't addictive.
limits on sales and marketing of tobacco to children.
Please give your support. Write to the FDA, Dockets
They swear they
Management Branch, Docket 95N-0253, Room
don't market to kids.
1-23, 12420 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20857.
Don't trust the tobacco industry to do the right
thing. They never have. They never will.
They claim to be taking
care of the problem of
This ad is sponsored by the American Cancer Society,
the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American
underage tobacco use.
Heart Association, the American Lung Association,
the American Medical Association and over 100
other organizations that support the Campaign for
Tobacco-Free Kids.
For additional information, or to contribute to more
ads like this: 1-800-284-KIDS.
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
12253 post ad#2final 10/ 30, 95 3:46 PM Page 1
Can you name the
most
heavily
advertised
cigarette brands?
She can.
Eighty-five percent of children who smoke prefer the three most advertised
brands (Marlboro, Camel and Newport). That's no coincidence.
Tobacco companies spend billions on cartoon ads, billboards near schools and
mountains of free merchandise that kids love (T-shirts, caps, backpacks, jackets).
The results:
Three thousand kids start smoking every day.
Nearly all adult smokers begin as children.
One-third will die from their addiction.
Tobacco companies are making $200 million a year from sales
to children and addicting a new generation of customers.
The nation's top health experts have proposed new limits to keep tobacco
marketing from seducing children and to make cigarettes less accessible to
kids. But industry lobbyists are scheming to snuff these rules out.
It's time we stopped trusting tobacco companies with our children's lives.
Tell the FDA you support the proposed limits (Food & Drug
Administration, Docket 95N-0253, Room 1-23, 12420 Parklawn Drive,
Rockville, MD 20857).
Tell your Members of Congress not to endanger America's
children for tobacco company profits.
Learn more by calling 1-800-284-KIDS.
This ad sponsored by the National PTA, American Nurses Association, National
Association of Secondary School Principals, National Coalition of Hispanic Health
and Human Services Organizations (COSSMHO) and over 100 other organizations
throughout the country.
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
What are
tobacco
lobbyists
trying to
buy from
Congress?
After decades of lying about addiction and disease. tobacco companies have
launched a last-ditch scheme to continue marketing to kids: flood Congress
with cash.
During the first half of 1995, tobacco industry contributions to political
parties skyrocketed more than 400 percent. Tobacco companies gave more
than $1.6 million ($1.5 million to Republicans), becoming the GOP's largest
donor by far.
Why the sudden surge? President Clinton and Members of Congress from
both parties are backing new limits on tobacco marketing to kids-limits
that could save thousands of children from addiction, disease and death.
Tobacco companies are desperately trying to buy opposition.
Voters want Congress to say no to the tobacco industry. More than
85 percent say Congress should support the administration's effort to
protect children.
Write your Members of Congress today (U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510;
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515). Tell them
America's children aren't for sale.
To learn more, call 1-800-284-KIDS.
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
This ad sponsored by the Congress of National Black Churches; American Academy of Family Physicians; National
Association of Elementary School Principals; Catholic Health Association; InterHealth/Protestant Health Alliance;
National Association of County and City Health Officials; National Association of Evangelicals: American Public
Health Association; General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church; Secondhand Smoke
Awareness Program, National Medical Association; and NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby.
TEACHERS
Copy the parent letter on the other side of this flyer and send it home with your students.
Save Children's Health
A Call To Action
FACT
(HFA-305), Docket number 95N-
We have a historic opportunity to
0253, Room 1-23, 12420 Parklawn
protect children from tobacco products
Of the 3,000 underage
Drive, Rockville, MD 20857.
Health educators, researchers and med-
smokers that start every day,
2. Letters to Congress: Urge your
ical associations have established that:
about 1,000 will die of
students to tell their senators and rep-
Tobacco use by youth is
tobacco-related illnesses.
resentatives about their support for
increasing.
strong action to protect children from
Tobacco poses a health hazard
ship and forbidding tobacco brand
tobacco products. For the House of
to children.
names on products such as t-shirts,
Representatives, address letters to: The
Teenagers respond to tobacco
gym bags and beach towels.
Honorable [full name]; U.S. House of
advertising.
Teach kids the truth about tobac-
Representatives; Washington, D.C.,
9 out of 10 smokers begin
co by creating a $150 million annual
20515. For the Senate: The
smoking during their childhood
education campaign funded by the
Honorable [full name]; U.S. Senate;
and adolescence.
tobacco industry to reduce youth
Washington, D.C., 20510.
smoking.
3. Create public service announ-
EACT
Before the regulations are final, the
cements: Have your class develop
FDA encourages the public to voice its
85% of adolescent smokers
print or video PSAs that show their
opinions. The tobacco industry and
support for the new regulations. Ask
prefer the three most heavily
well-organized interest groups are
local media or billboard company to
advertised cigarette brands.
already challenging these proposed
feature the students' work.
regulations-potentially blocking
4. Plan a district-wide campaign:
What To Do About It?
their implementation-despite wide-
Encourage your students to develop a
Recently, the Food and Drug
spread national support for them.
community initiative to support the
Administration (FDA) suggested an
new regulations. Have students contact
answer. It announced a series of pro-
Those In Favor Of The Regulations
local media for coverage of their efforts.
posed regulations that would curtail
Must Fight Back.
5. Very important: Please send all
youth exposure to tobacco products and
Discuss the subject of tobacco
copies of letters and activities to
advertisements. The regulations would:
use with your students.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids,
Reduce the illegal sale of tobacco
Plan to support the FDA
1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite
to kids by prohibiting all cigarette
regulations.
820, Washington, D.C., 20036.
sales from vending machines and self-
Make copies of the parent letter
service displays and allowing the sale of
on the other side and send it
FACT
cigarettes and chewing tobacco only to
home with all of your students.
30% of kids 12-to-17 years old
customers who are at least 18 and who
own at least one tobacco pro-
show proof of age.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
motional item such as t-shirts,
Reduce tobacco's appeal to teens
1. Letters to the FDA: Urge your
by banning all tobacco advertising
baseball caps, and gym bags.
students to write letters supporting
within 1,000 feet of schools, prohibit-
the proposed regulations to protect
ing advertising in magazines with
kids from tobacco products. Write to:
FOR MORE INFORMATION
more than 15 percent youth reader
1-800-284-KIDS
FDA, Dockets Management Branch
A Sponsored Supplement to Scholastic Inc. This message has been paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.
Deaparent
We have a historic opportunity to protect adolescents from tobacco products. Health educators, researchers and
medical associations have established that:
Tobacco is addictive.
Tobacco use by youth is increasing.
Tobacco poses a health hazard to children.
Teenagers are influenced by tobacco advertising.
9 out of 10 smokers begin smoking during their childhood and adolescence.
The Question Is: What To Do About It?
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggested an answer. It
announced a series of proposed regulations that would curtail youth exposure
Why
to tobacco products and advertisements. The regulations would:
Reduce the illegal sale of tobacco to kids by prohibiting all cigarette sales from
vending machines and self-service displays and allowing the sale of cigarettes and
Of the 3,000 underage
chewing tobacco only to customers who are at least 18 and who show proof of age.
smokers that start every day,
Reduce the appeal of tobacco by eliminating all tobacco advertising within
1,000 will die of tobacco-
1,000 feet of schools, prohibiting advertising in magazines with more than 15
related illnesses.
percent youth readership, and forbidding tobacco brand names on products such
as t-shirts, gym bags, beach towels and backpacks.
30% of kids 12-to-17 years
Teach kids the truth about tobacco by creating a $150 million annual edu-
old. own at least one tobacco
cation campaign funded by the tobacco industry to reduce youth smoking.
promotional item such as
Before the regulations are finalized, the FDA encourages the public to voice
baseball caps, and gym bags.
their opinions. The tobacco industry and several well-organized interest groups
are already challenging these proposed regulations - potentially blocking their
85% of adolescent
passage - despite widespread national support for them.
smokers prefer the three most
heavily advertised cigarette
Here's What We Can Do:
brands.
1. Start talking: Inform others about the dangers of smoking.
2. Letters to the FDA: Work with your child to write letters supporting the proposed regulations to protect
kids from tobacco products. Write to: FDA Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305), Docket number
95N-0253J, FDA, Room 1-23, 12420 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD 20857.
3. Letters to Congress: Urge you child to tell their senators and representatives about their support for
strong action to protect children from tobacco. For the House of Representatives, address letters to: The
Honorable [full name]; U.S. House of Representatives; Washington, D.C., 20515. For the Senate: The
Honorable [full name]; U.S. Senate; Washington, D.C., 20510.
4 Contact the media: Write your local newspaper in support of the new regulations.
5. Build coalitions: Contact local businesses to enlist their support for the new regulations.
6. Very important: Please send copies of all letters to: Campaign for Tobacco
Free Kids, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 820, Washington, D.C., 20036.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
1-800-284-KIDS
A Sponsored Supplement to Scholastic Inc. This message has been paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.
Dear
Concerned Employee
We have a historic opportunity to protect children from tobacco products. Health educators, researchers and
medical associations have established that:
Tobacco is addictive.
Tobacco use by youth is increasing.
Tobacco poses a health hazard to children.
9 out 10 smokers begin smoking during their childhood and adolescence.
The question is: what can we do about it?
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration provided an answer. It announced
a series of proposed regulations that would curtail youth exposure to tobacco
Why
products and advertisements. The regulations would:
we.mus act
Reduce illegal sale of tobacco to kids by prohibiting all cigarette sales from
vending machines and self-service displays and allowing the sale of cigarettes and
af the 3,000 underage
chewing tobacco only to customers who are at least 18 and who show proof of age.
smokers that start every day,
The only measures under consideration are to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco to
T,000 will die of tobacca-
children.
related illnesses.
Reduce tobacco's appeal to kids by eliminating all tobacco advertising within
1,000 feet of schools, prohibiting advertising in magazines with more than 15 per-
30% of kids 12-ta-17 years
cent youth readership and forbidding tobacco brand names on products such as t-
old OWN at least one tobacca
shirts, gym bags, beach towels and backpacks, which are not related to smoking.
promotional item such as
Teach kids the truth about tobacco by creating a $150 million annual edu-
baseball caps, and gym bags.
cation campaign funded by the tobacco industry to reduce youth smoking.
The tobacco industry and several well-organized interest groups are already
85% of adolescent
challenging these proposed regulations-potentially blocking their implementa-
smokers prefer the three most
tion-despite widespread national support for actions.
heavily advertised cigarette
brands..
Those in favor of the regulations must fight back.
Review the facts about tobacco with your child and family.
Talk to with your colleagues about the FDA's new rules and plan to support them.
Work with local schools to find ways you and educators can work together to support the regulations.
How to Take Action!
1. Write to the government: Work with colleagues and family to write letters to elected representatives
urging them to take strong action to protect children from tobacco products. For the House of Representatives,
address letters to: The Honorable [full name]; U.S. House of Representatives; Washington, D.C., 20515. For
the Senate: The Honorable [full name]; U.S. Senate; Washington, D.C., 20510.
2. Contact the FDA: Write a letter to the FDA supporting the proposed regulations. Send to: FDA, Dockets
Management Branch (HFA-305), Docket number 95N-0253J, Room 1-23, 12420 Parklawn Drive, Rockville,
MD 20857.
3. Letters to the media: Write to your local newspaper in support of the new regulations.
4. Very important: Please send copies of all letters to: Campaign for Tobacco
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Free Kids, 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 820, Washington, D.C., 20036.
1-800-284-KIDS
A Sponsored Supplement to Scholastic Inc. This message has been paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
3
Divider Title:
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
ORGANIZATIONAL OUTREACH
The CAMPAIGN is working to assemble an activist core of health, women, minorities, religious,
grassroots and other organizations to advocate for restricting sales and marketing of tobacco
products to youth. Thus far, more than 125 organizations have signaled their support for the
FDA proposal. Additional organizations are signing on to the CAMPAIGN, demonstrating its
broad base of support. The growing membership communicates to Congress that the goals of the
CAMPAIGN are supported by a wide array of highly visible and respected professional
organizations and associations.
The influential core of organizations that inaugurated the CAMPAIGN has been critical to
enrollment of new members. Founding organizations include: the American Cancer Society, the
American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association
and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Organizational outreach is underway on several fronts. A campaign priority is to create a strong
core group of an additional 15-20 CAMPAIGN member organizations that will participate
actively in outreach to their members and constituents and in advocacy. A secondary goal is to
build a broad base of support among a larger number of organizations with an interest in
controlling the sale and marketing of tobacco to youth. These second tier organizations are not
expected to participate as extensively as the core group.
The CAMPAIGN is drawing its broader membership, in part, from the more than 125
organizations that support the FDA proposal (list is attached). Additionally, active recruitment is
underway among a select group of professional organizations that have not previously been
involved in this arena. These prospective participants can lend credibility to the CAMPAIGN's
efforts and extend the traditional base of support for restricting adolescent access to tobacco
products.
Organizations are also being tapped for alliance building with their regional and local affiliates.
Collaboration with state and local chapters supports our key states plan. Local organizational
counterparts are assisting with local events and media placement opportunities. For example, The
American Academy of Pediatrics conducted a national event in which children exchanged tobacco
industry give-aways for T-shirts with messages rejecting tobacco products. Numerous
associations are carrying information about the CAMPAIGN in their newsletters. The National
Association of Local Boards of Health, for example, worked with the CAMPAIGN to produce a
model newsletter on the CAMPAIGN's agenda.
Organizational members also represent a potential source of funding for the CAMPAIGN,
although at this stage we have not stressed this objective.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE BY YOUTH
1707 L STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
PHONE 202 296 5469
FAX 202 296 5427
EMAIL: [email protected]
Among the major organizations that have recently joined or become active are the National PTA,
the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Elementary
School Principals, the National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Service Organizations
(COSSMHO) and a number of major religious organizations. Various programmatic, educational
and legislative activities are being planned with the PTA's national and state organizations.
Twenty major organizations have sponsored the CAMPAIGN's paid advertisements and so, have
communicated their public commitment to the issue. Organizations are also encouraged to place
CAMPAIGN ads in media in their states and local communities.
Those organizations that have endorsed the CAMPAIGNS three flights of ads include:
First ad: the American Cancer Society; the American Academy of Pediatrics; the American Heart
Association; the American Lung Association; and the American Medical Association.
Second ad: National PTA, American Nurses Association; National Association of Secondary
School Principals; and National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Service Organizations
(COSSMHO).
Third ad: The Congress of National Black Churches; American Academy of Family Physicians;
National Association of Elementary School Principals; Catholic Health Association;
InterHealth/Protestant Health Alliance; National Association of County and City Health Officials;
National Association of Evangelicals; American Public Health Association; General Board of
Church and Society of the United Methodist Church; Secondhand Smoke Awareness Program,
National Medical Association; and NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby.
November 9, 1995
Organizations Supporting the FDA Proposal
Limiting Children's Access & Attraction To Tobacco
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
American Academy of Family Physicians, 55 Affiliates
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
American Academy of Pediatrics, 56 Chapters
American Association for Cancer Research
American Association for Respiratory Care, 50 Chapters
American Association of Critical Care Nurses, 278 Chapters
American Association of Dental Schools
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, 182 Affiliates
American Association of School Administrators, 50 Chapters
American Cancer Society, 57 Affiliates
American College of Cardiology, 35 Chapters
American College of Chest Physicians
American College of Nurse-Midwives, 76 Chapters
American College of Physicians, 76 Chapters
American College of Preventive Medicine
American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer
American Dental Assistants Association
American Dental Association
American Dental Hygienists' Association, 54 Chapters
American Heart Association, 54 Affiliates
American Lung Association, 120 Constituencies and 8 Affiliates
American Medical Association
American Medical Student Association/Foundation, 142 Branches
American Medical Women's Association, 80 Branches & 120 Medical School Branches
American Muslim Council, 5 Chapters
American Nurses Association, 53 Affiliates
American Public Health Association
ASTRO-American Society for Therapeutic Radiology & Oncology
American Society of Addiction Medicine, 26 Chapters
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Society of Internal Medicine, 50 Chapters
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
American Veterans Committee
Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights
Associated Medical Schools of New York
Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota
Association for the Advancement of Health Education
Association of American Cancer Institutes
Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.
Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs
Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses, 20 Chapters
Association of Reproductive Health Professionals
Association of Schools of Public Health
Association of State & Territorial Chronic Disease Program Directors
Association of State & Territorial Dental Directors
Association of State & Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education
Association of State & Territorial Health Officials, 57 Affiliates
Association of Women's Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses
Boston Women's Health Book Collective
Cancer Care, Inc.
Cancer Research Foundation of America
Catholic Health Association
Center for Women Policy Studies
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Church of the Brethren
Citizens For Health, 172 Chapters
Coalition for a Smoke-Free West Virginia, 39 Organizational Members
Coalition For a Tobacco Free Pennsylvania
Coalition For a Tobacco Free West Virginia, 39 Organizational Members
Committee for Children
The Congress of National Black Churches, Inc.
Consumers Union
FACT Families Against Cancer Terror
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
GASP of Colorado
GASP: Georgians Against Smoking Pollution, 2 Chapters
General Board of Church & Society - United Methodist Church
The HMO Group
Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, 3 Chapters
Impact Delaware Tobacco Prevention Coalition
INFACT
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
InterHealth/American Protestant Health Alliance
International Commission for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency, 50 Conferences
Interreligious Coalition on Smoking OR Health
Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Kansas Dental Assistants Association, 4 Chapters
League of Women Voters of New York State, 63 Chapters
Maryland Group Against Smokers Pollution (GASP)
Massachusetts GASP
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Minnesota Coalition for A Smoke-Free Society 2000
National 4-H Council
National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care
National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions, 148 Hospitals
National Association of Community Action Agencies, 800 Chapters
National Association of County and City Health Officials
National Association of Elementary School Principals
National Association of Evangelicals
National Association of Secondary School Principals
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations (COSSMHO), 400 Affiliates
National Council for International Health
National Education Association, 52 State-level Affiliates and 13,250 Local Affiliates
National Osteoporosis Foundation, 2 Regional Offices
National Prenatal Association, 24 Chapters
National PTA
National School Boards Association (NSBA), 54 Federation Members
The National School Health Education Coalition, 90 Members
National Women's Health Network
New Jersey GASP - Group Against Smoking Pollution
North American Federation of Temple Youths, Executive Board
Oncology Nursing Society, 189 Chapters
Oral Health America, America's Fund for Dental Health, 50 Affiliates
Partnership for Prevention
Public Health Council of the New Jersey State Department of Health
Radiation Research Society
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Santa Fe Community Partnership
Secondhand Smoke Awareness Program, National Medical Association
Sierra Club, 69 Chapters
Smokefree Educational Services, Inc.
Smoke Free Maryland: A Coalition for Tobacco Control, 37 Member Organ.
SmokeFree Pennsylvania
Society for Public Health Education, 18 Chapters
Society of Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology
Society of Gynecologic Oncologists
Stop Teenage Addiction to Tobacco
Tobacco Control Resource Center
Tobacco Free, Inc.
Tobacco Free Michigan Action Coalition, 121 Member Organizations
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
United Church of Christ, Office for Church in Society
Vermont Department of Health
Virginia GASP
West Virginia Society for Respiratory Care, 7 Chapters
Washington Institute
Wisconsin Initiative on Smoking and Health (WISH)
Women and Girls Against Tobacco
YMCA of the USA
Coalition on Smoking OR Health
1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 820, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 452-1184 Facsimile: (202) 452-1417
August 25, 1995
Steering Committee
To:
Organizations Interested in Tobacco Control
Scott D. Ballin, Chairman
American Heart Association
From:
Coalition on Smoking OR Health
Fran Du Meile
Steering Committee
American Lung Association
Re:
Activities to Support FDA Proposal to Protect Children
Michael F. Heron
American Cancer Society
From Tobacco URGENT REQUEST FOR ACTION
Administrator Federal Issues
The Coalition on Smoking OR Health wishes to thank all the organizations
Joy Epstein
and individuals who have worked so hard over the last year collecting
Administrator State Issues
signatures on the petition asking the FDA to regulate tobacco products and
Peter Fisher
more recently in making phone calls to the White House in support of the
Counsel
FDA proposal to protect children from tobacco.
Matthew L. Myers
Asbill, Junkin & Myers
Your work has paid off! On August 10, the President announced that the
Public Policy Advisory Council
FDA was proposing regulations to reduce children and teen's easy access
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Pediatrics
to tobacco products and also to reduce the appeal to children from tobacco
American Association for Respiratory Care
advertising and promotion.
American College of Cardiology
American College of Chest Physicians
American College of Physicians
Now the hard part really begins. All the groups who support this
American Public Health Association
erican Society of Internal Medicine
proposal must pull out all the stops to make sure that it is adopted in final
ciation of State and Territorial
form as soon as possible.
aith Officials
Interreligious Coalition on Smoking OR Health
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
National Coalition of Hispanic Health and
The tobacco industry has already filed a lawsuit claiming that the FDA
Human Services Organizations (COSSMHO)
does not have jurisdiction over tobacco products. Friends of the tobacco
Society of Cardiovascular
& Interventional Radiology
industry in Congress will try to pass legislation that will undercut the
FDA proposal.
Between now and November 9 (the deadline for submitting comments to
FDA), we are urging groups to target activities to demonstrating support
for the proposal to FDA and to Congress.
ACTION NEEDED
1. Encourage Members of Congress to support the FDA proposal
All Senators and Representatives need to receive letters and phone
calls requesting support of the FDA proposal to reduce teenage use
of tobacco.
Organizations should arrange meetings with their Senators and
Representatives in Washington or at home to discuss their support
for the FDA proposal. Meet with staff if you cannot get a meeting
with the member.
AMERICAN
AMERICAN
American Heart
CANCER
LUNG
SOCIETY®
Association
ASSOCIATION®
Fighting Heart Disease
and Stroke
Individuals who have personal contacts with Senators and Representatives should request
face-to-face meetings or place personal phone calls to the members they know.
2. Generate large numbers of comments to FDA in support of the FDA proposal
Send comments to the FDA:
Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305) Re: Docket No. 95N-0253
Food and Drug Administration
Room 1-23
12420 Parklawn Drive
Rockville, MD 20857
Organization members, staff, family, and friends should be encouraged to write the FDA
expressing support for the proposal to reduce teenage tobacco use. The letters can be
detailed and personal or as simple as a post card.
Contact churches, youth organizations, hospitals, businesses, civic organizations and
others in your community and ask them to send as many letters or post cards to the FDA
as possible.
3. Demonstrate public support for the FDA proposal
Send letters to the editor of your local paper from leaders in your organization or submit
opinion columns (op eds) explaining why the FDA proposal to protect children and
teenagers should be supported and why it will be good for your community.
Identify spokespersons in your organization who can respond to the issue when the media
inquires about the proposal and proactively offer the spokespersons to the media.
BACKGROUND
Included with this alert are fact sheets about the proposal, model letter to the FDA, and
a model letter to Members of Congress. The Coalition will have pre-printed post cards
that can be sent to the FDA. Let us know if you want a supply of these cards.
If you need more information or suggestions for ways to build support, contact the
Coalition on Smoking OR Health at 202-452-1184.
Let us know what you are doing. Mail or fax a note to Joy Epstein at the Coalition
office to report on what your organization has done to help protect kids from tobacco.
has taken the following actions:
(Organization name)
Initiated grassroots letters to Senators and Representatives
Sent organization letter to Senators and Representatives
Initiated grassroots letters and cards to FDA
Sent organization letter to FDA
Sent letter to local paper, etc.
National Association of Local Boards of Health
1840 East Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Telephone: (419) 353-7714 Facsimile: (419)353-9680
MEMORANDUM
Date:
October 12, 1995
To:
Members of Local Boards of Health
From:
Ted Pratt, President Fed
Subject: Proposed FDA Regulations Restricting the Sale and
Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Products to Protect Children and Adolescents
Contained in this NewsBrief is information relating to the health risks associated with tobacco
usage by our youth. On the reverse side of this memo is a resolution passed by the NALBOH
Executive Board in support of the proposed FDA regulations.
As local boards of health, responsible for the protection of your community's health, I
encourage you to contact the FDA and your Senators and U.S. Representatives in support of
this important public health initiative.
Written comments referencing Docket No. 95N-0253 should be sent to the Dockets
Management Branch (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, Room 1-23, 12420 Parklawn
Drive, Rockville, MD 20857. The 90 day comment period expires November 9, 1995.
National Association of Local Boards of Health
1840 East Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Telephone: (419) 353-7714 Facsimile: (419) 353-9680
NALBOH
NALBOH Resolution in Support of the Proposed FDA Regulations
Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Products to Protect Children and Adolescents
WHEREAS, each day more than 3,000 young people begin to smoke resulting in more than
1 million new smokers annually:
WHEREAS, there has been a 30% increase in smoking among 8th graders since 1991 and an
increase use of chewing tobacco and snuff:
WHEREAS, at least half of adult smokers become addicted to nicotine prior to their 18th
birthday:
WHEREAS, more than 400,000 Americans die prematurely each year due to cigarette
smoking:
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association of Local Boards of
Health (NALBOH), representing community leaders serving in a public health policy making
and advisory capacity to local health departments, supports the FDA regulations of nicotine as
an addictive drug and restricting the sale and distribution of tobacco products for the protection
of children and adolescents, without the preemption or restriction of state and local ordinances;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be provided to all local boards of
health, congressional leaders, the FDA, and other interested parties.
CHILDREN'S HEALTH OR TOBACCO WEALTH?
Over 400,000 Americans die each year from tobacco-caused disease. Over 3,000 children start
using tobacco products each day and smoking among eighth-graders increased by 30 percent
between 1991 and 1994. The Food and Drug Administration recently proposed regulations that
would take significant steps forward in the battle against tobacco use. The tobacco industry and
its allies are actively trying to undermine these efforts -- we must stop them, and protect our
children's health.
The FDA regulations would curtail the tobacco industry's attempts to market their intentionally
addictive products to children; make it more difficult for children to obtain tobacco products; and
create a multimillion dollar national anti-tobacco advertising campaign. The regulations would also
prohibit all tobacco advertising within 1,000 feet of schools; prohibit advertising in magazines with
more than 15 percent youth readership; require proof of age to purchase cigarettes and smokeless
tobacco; and prohibit all tobacco industry promotional items such as t-shirts, gym bags, beach
towels and backpacks.
Children need protection from the tobacco
industry! Tobacco companies spend more than
$6 billion a year on advertising and promotions.
Important Facts
It's time to take the long overdue steps
*
Nine out of ten adult smokers began
proposed by the Food and Drug Administration.
using cigarettes by the age of 18,
and 37 percent began by the age of
14.
What you can do:
*
Of the 3,000 underage smokers that
start every day, almost 1,000 will
1. Write or call your members of Congress and
die of tobacco-related illnesses.
tell them to support the Food and Drug
*
Administration regulations to protect children
Tobacco industry advertising works
-- 85 percent of underage smokers
from tobacco products. You can write them at:
purchase the three most heavily
The Honorable [full name]; U.S. House of
advertised brands: Marlboro,
Newport, or Camel.
Representatives; Washington, D.C., 20515. For
the Senate: The Honorable [full name]; U.S.
*
After the Joe Camel cartoon
Senate; Washington, D.C., 20510. The phone
campaign was introduced, Camel's
market share among underage smokers
number for the Capitol switchboard is (202)
jumped from 0.5 percent to 32.8
224-3121 the operator will connect you to
percent.
any lawmakers' office.
*
Thirty percent of kids 12 to 17
years old, both smokers and
2. Write a letter to the editor or an op-ed for
nonsmokers, own at least one
tobacco promotional item (such as
your local paper to state your support for
t-shirts, baseball caps, and gym
protecting kids from tobacco products.
bags).
3. If appropriate, consider having your board of
health hold a news conference to announce
support for efforts to protect kids from tobacco products. Localizing the statistics to establish the
number of children who start using tobacco products in your area is a good, easy way to attract
local media attention.
For more materials or information, contact the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids at 1-800-284-KIDS.
This insert provided by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
4
Divider Title:
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
LEGISLATIVE
Congressional Support for FDA
A bi-partisan group of House members has pledged its support for the FDA proposal. They
signed a "Commitment to our Children" that is the kind of Congressional support that is crucial to
balancing attempts to derail the FDA proposal. The Commitment has thus far been signed by
Republican Representatives Castle, Dornan, Fox, Hansen, Morella, Packard, Riggs, Roukema,
(Linda) Smith, and Waldholtz, and by Democratic Representatives (John) Bryant, Conyers,
Durbin, Eshoo, Furse, (John) Lewis, Meehan, (George) Miller, Moran, Roybal-Allard, Visclosky,
Waxman, Wyden, and Yates.
Additionally, a "dear colleague" letter is currently being circulated by Reps. Hansen and Waxman
to solicit more support for the Commitment to Our Children.
Current Legislation
A number of bills already have been introduced in the House and Senate that would undermine the
FDA proposal. None of the bills has been acted upon yet, and it is likely that they will not be
addressed by Congress until the beginning of next year. Aside from these bills, threats to the
FDA's proposal could also come through the appropriations process, in the form of a "regulatory
reform" bill, as part of a broader FDA reform proposal, or as an amendment to other bills. The
following is a summary of the bills that would weaken or stop the FDA's proposal.
HR 2414 "Youth Smoking Prevention Act of 1995"
Introduced by Rep. Scotty Baesler (D-KY), this is a "compromise" bill that purports to achieve
the FDA's goals through other means. It is, in fact, full of weak provisions that would do more
harm than good. The limited provisions of the bill would: prohibit FDA from regulating tobacco
products; fine or penalize minors who purchase tobacco; restrict vending machines to supervised
locations; and ban tobacco billboards "within line of sight" of a school or playground.
S. 1262 "The Tobacco Products Control Act"
Introduced by Senator Wendell Ford (D-KY), this bill also purports to address many of the
concerns raised by FDA, but does not contain any significant provisions that will reduce tobacco
use by kids. The bill would: prohibit the FDA from regulating tobacco products; restrict vending
machines to "plain view" and under supervision of an employee; and permit the placement of
billboards near schools or playgrounds if located on buildings which sell tobacco.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE BY YOUTH
1707 L STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
PHONE 202 296 5469
FAX 202 296 5427
EMAIL: [email protected]
HR 2265 and S. 1295 "Regulation of Tobacco Products or Advertising Used or Purchased
by NASCAR"
The House bill was introduced by Rep. Funderbunk (R-NC) and in the Senate by Jesse Helms (R-
NC). These bills only address narrow portions of the FDA's proposal. They would: prohibit FDA
from regulating tobacco products and prohibit the FDA from regulating tobacco advertising used
by the National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR) or any other
professional motor sports association.
HR 2283
Introduced by Rep. Lewis Payne (D-VA), this bill would simply prohibit the FDA from regulating
the sale or use of tobacco products.
Key States
The CAMPAIGN has compiled a list of Members of Congress who we believe will cast crucial
votes if and when a bill to stop the President's initiative becomes active. Based on this, we have
developed a plan to mobilize activists and media in the states of these lawmakers to create as
much public pressure as possible to support the FDA regulations. This involves outreach not only
to the tobacco control public health activists traditionally involved in this issue, but also tapping
into other networks and appealing to the general public in order to broaden our impact. Media-
related activities in the key states will include editorial board visits, advertising, media events, op-
eds, and letters to the editor.
The goal of the key states strategy is to create a public atmosphere supportive of the President's
initiative and to let Members of Congress know that their actions on this important issue are being
closely followed. The top priority states that we have identified are: Arkansas, California,
Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah,
and Vermont. The second-tier states on which we are focusing include: Colorado, Georgia,
Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and
Texas.
Key States Plan
This list of key states is based on the following factors:
Our first priority must be to insure that we have sufficient
votes in the U.S. Senate to block any legislative effort to
undermine the FDA regulatory process. To hold the Senate,
we need solid support among Republican moderates, general
support from the Democratic leadership, and reasonably solid
support from non-tobacco state Democrats. Our second
priority should be to develop broad-based national support
so that Republicans in both Houses of Congress will not want
to be closely tied to an effort to gut FDA's proposal. Our
third priority should focus on key members of the House to
build support among key Democrats who are in a position to
fight the House Republican leadership.
Top Priority States for Initital Senate Focus
Arkansas -- Both Bumpers and Pryor are likely, but not
guaranteed, supporters.
California -- California is a high priority state because of
its visibility and its influence on the national debate. It
is also considered a key state in the upcoming Presidential
elections so that California public opinion will be very
important. Boxer is a solid supporter, and Feinstein is a
likely supporter.
Connecticut -- Dodd and Lieberman are important Democratic
votes. Both are under pressure because of U.S. Tobacco.
Lieberman is also a strong First Amendment advocate. In the
past, however, both have generally voted for pro-health
policies.
Delaware -- Biden often votes in favor of tobacco control
policies, but his vote on this matter is by no means
guaranteed, as he could oppose the proposal on First
Amendment grounds. Roth has opposed us on tobacco tax
issues before, but may be willing to support the President's
initiative in this case.
Hawaii -- Friendship between Hawaii's two Democratic
senators and tobacco-state lawmakers could prevent Inouye
and Akaka from supporting the FDA. By philosophy, however,
the two senators should be allies. Akaka will be easier
than Inouye.
Indiana -- Coats is against our position, but Richard Lugar
is a potentially important Republican ally. Lugar was a
leader on the effort to remove smokeless tobacco ads from
television and to require warnings on smokeless tobacco
packs and ads. He is an avowed opponent of "big government"
however.
Kansas -- Nancy Kassebaum has been critical of FDA in
general and of adding tobacco to FDA's plate. On the other
hand, she has been a visible advocate for children's issues
and is in a position to influence the outcome. Dole has
been a solid ally of the tobacco industry for the last
decade, however his presidential candidacy gives us an
opportunity to convince him that he does not want to tie
himself too closely to the tobacco industry.
Maine -- Cohen and Snowe are both moderate Republicans who
are potential supporters. Cohen has been a supporter in the
past; Snowe is more sensitive to women's issues.
Nebraska -- Kerry and Exon are both potential allies, but
both will require some real work.
Oregon -- Hatfield is a supporter and he could be convinced
to take a leadership role.
South Dakota -- Daschle is particularly important in light
of his Democratic leadership role. Pressler is an unlikely
Republican ally, but is not entirely in opposition to our
position. Pressler spokeout against the "Dakota" brand
cigarettes a few years back.
Utah -- Hatch could be an important vote because of his
constituency's dislike of tobacco products. Hatch is a
strong opponent of the FDA however, and he may try to work
behind the scenes to subvert the regulations. The effort in
Utah must make the issue, and Hatch's stance on it, visible.
Bennett's announced support should be rewarded and
capitalized upon.
Vermont -- Leahy should be a solid vote, but may need
reinforcing. Jeffords is a moderate Republican who has been
supportive on many issues.
Congress of the United States
house of Representatives
Mashington, DC 20515
November 6, 1995
MAKE A COMMITMENT TO OUR CHILDREN
Support efforts to stop youth smoking.
Dear Colleague:
On the reverse side is a "Commitment to Our Children." It
explains why teen smoking is a true "pediatric disease" according to the
American Academy of Pediatrics, and why every Member of Congress should
make a commitment to decrease tobacco use by children.
This nation can no longer close its eyes to a product that kills
over 400,000 Americans each year. Given the increase in smoking among
youth and the fact that 80 percent of adult smokers start as children, we must
take the necessary steps to prevent another generation from becoming addicted
to deadly tobacco products.
We hope you will join us, and a bipartisan group of our
colleagues, in our commitment to: (1) support the common-sense goal of
decreasing tobacco use by children; and (2) oppose any efforts to enact
legislation that weaken or delay the current proposal to decrease tobacco use
by children. After signing, please return to 2466 Rayburn (Hansen) or 2408
Rayburn (Waxman).
Sincerely,
Henry 160 A. Waxman, M.C.
James V. Hansen, M.C.
A COMMITMENT TO OUR CHILDREN
Whereas more children alive today will die from tobacco use
than from any other single cause -- including, AIDS, alcohol, car
accidents, murders, suicides, Illegal drugs, and fires combined.
Whereas child smoking rates are rising, with the number of
eighth-graders who smoke increasing 30% between 1991 and 1994.
Whereas every day, another 3,000 American children start to
smoke, nearly 1,000 of whom will die from lung cancer and other
diseases cause by smoking.
Whereas the tobacco industry spends over $6 billion a year on
advertisements and promotions that, whether intentional or not, have
the effect of encouraging children to use tobacco products.
Whereas over 85% of the children who smoke use one of the
three most heavily advertised cigarette brands (Marlboro, Camel, or
Newport).
Whereas state and local laws restricting tobacco sales to minors
have been largely ineffective.
Therefore, I commit:
1.
To support the common-sense goal of decreasing tobacco
use by children by reducing the access and appeal of
tobacco products to children; and
2.
To oppose efforts to enact legislation that would weaken
or delay the Present's proposal to decrease tobacco use
by children.
Signed:
Dated:
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our
digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately
scan such dividers. The title from the original document is
indicated below.
5
Divider Title:
CAMPAIGN for TOBACCO-FREE Kids
OPPOSITION
The tobacco industry and its allies have actively opposed the President's initiative in a
variety of ways, including lobbying, lawsuits, political donations, advocacy
advertisements, and "grassroots" campaigns.
Lobbying
It is unknown how much direct lobbying the tobacco industry has undertaken regarding
the President's initiative. Tobacco lobbyists are presumed to have been involved in
drafting several bills that would weaken or stop the FDA's proposal. Please see the
"Legislative" section of this briefing book for more information on these bills and the
industry's legislative strategy.
Lawsuits
Immediately after President Clinton announced his initiative, the tobacco industry, major
advertising associations, and tobacco farmers all filed lawsuits to stop the proposed FDA
regulations. The tobacco industry's suit claims that the FDA does not have the authority
to regulate tobacco products, while the country's major advertising associations claim that
the FDA regulations would be a violation of the First Amendment's protection of free
speech. The suits have been filed in Federal court in North Carolina and will be heard by
Judge William Osteen, who has ruled favorably for the tobacco industry in other suits.
Some tobacco-industry allies in Congress, including Rep. Tom Bliley (R-VA), have
indicated that they would not pursue legislation to block the FDA because they believe the
matter will be settled favorably, from their perspective, in court.
Other, unrelated court cases could affect the FDA's advertising restrictions. The Supreme
Court recently heard a case concerning restrictions on alcohol advertising in Rhode Island
that could affect the President's initiative.
Political Contributions
In 1995, the tobacco industry's political contributions have increased dramatically,
especially to the Republican party. The tobacco companies have increased their donations
to various national Republican committees by over 500 percent in 1995, including
$700,000 in donations from Philip Morris alone - the largest single donor to any party.
Philip Morris is also a contributor to the host committee for the 1996 Republican National
Convention in San Diego. Geoffrey Bible, chairman of Philip Morris, N.G. Brooks,
COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PREVENT TOBACCO USE BY YOUTH
1707 L STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
PHONE 202 296 5469
FAX 202 296 5427
EMAIL: [email protected]
chairman of Brown & Williamson, and Charles Harper, chairman of RJR Nabisco, each
gave or raised $100,000 for a "Salute to Newt" Republican fundraising dinner in July.
Tobacco contributions to the Democratic party have also been significant, with over
$100,000 in soft money thus far in 1995. In addition, tens of thousands of dollars have
gone to Members of Congress of both parties through tobacco PACs.
Advocacy Advertisements
Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds have placed full-page advocacy advertisements in
newspapers and magazines throughout the country. The ads generally stress libertarian
themes, warning of "government intrusion" in decisions between parents and children and
raising the specter of prohibition of tobacco products. Some of the ads tout the industry's
"voluntary" programs that the tobacco companies promote as a substitute for government
regulations.
The ads appeared regularly in newspapers around the country from shortly after the
President's announcement in August until the middle of October. They continue to appear
in Roll Call and The Hill, two publications that reach Capitol Hill as well as business and
government-related enterprises.
Additionally, the Western Dark Fired Tobacco Growers Association placed ads in two
Kentucky newspapers warning of prohibition of tobacco products.
"Grassroots" Campaigns
The tobacco industry has several "front" organizations that are working against the FDA
regulations. The National Smokers' Alliance (NSA), a national "smokers' rights" group
that was established by Burson-Marstellar, Philip Morris' public relations agency, and the
Smoker's Advocate, a Philip Morris newsletter, have called for opposition to the
President's initiative. The NSA claims over one million members and it is likely that
Congress and the FDA have received many comments generated through these groups.
One comment letter from a citizen to the FDA, for example, was (inadvertently)
accompanied by an instruction sheet on how to write the letter.
The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) and the CATO Institute, libertarian think tanks
that receive money from the tobacco industry, have been vocal critics of the FDA
regulations. CEI has placed many op-eds critical of tobacco regulation, and has
distributed press releases sarcastically calling for regulation of products that contain
caffeine if tobacco products are to be regulated.
The industry has also used professional motor sports events, such as NASCAR races, to
generate opposition to the FDA regulations.
Common
FOR RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jackie G. Howell
Wednesday, September 13, 1995
Lori Shinseki
TOBACCO INTERESTS INCREASE SOFT MONEY CONTRIBUTIONS FIVE-FOLD,
GIVING $1.5 MILLION To REPUBLICANS DURING FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1995;
PHILIP MORRIS SETS RECORD, GIVING $730,000 IN SOFT MONEY
To REPUBLICANS, COMMON CAUSE STUDY FINDS
As the tobacco industry comes under
increasingly severe public and governmental
Philip Morris
Soft Money Contributions
scrutiny, tobacco interests have made a record-
$800,000
setting $1.5 million in soft money contributions
$600,000
to the Republican party during the first six
months of 1995, according to a Common Cause
$400,000
study released today.
$200,000
Philip Morris, the country's largest
$0
cigarette company, gave $729,749 in soft money
Jan-June
Jan-June
Jan-June
1993
1994
1995
to the Republicans during the period January 1
Dem
GOP
through June 30, 1995, a record for soft money
contributions from a single donor to a single political party, or even to both parties combined, during
the first six months of a year, the Common Cause study found.
2030 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202/736-5770
-2-
SOFT MONEY CONTRIBUTIONS To
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL PARTY COMMITTEES
JANUARY THROUGH JUNE 1991-1995
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Philip Morris
$78,330
$99,000
$70,000
$89,000
$729,749
RJR Nabisco
$105,000
$163,600
$21,000
$59,752
$286,450
Brown & Williamson
$0
$0
$0
$1,000
$260,000
Overall, tobacco interests contributed $1,536,909 in soft money to Republican national party
committees during the period January 1 through June 30, 1995, a tobacco industry record for the
first six months of a year, according to the Common Cause study.
The $1.5-million figure represented a five-fold increase over tobacco industry soft money
contributions to Republicans during the first six months of 1994 and 1993, the study found.
The record tobacco industry soft money to the Republicans was given as the industry came
under increasing attack from the executive branch. "The Food and Drug Administration has
concluded that it can regulate nicotine as a drug, and the White House is considering a crackdown on
the tobacco industry to reduce sales to minors. Meanwhile, the Justice Department is investigating
whether tobacco industry executives lied to Congress and concealed evidence about the use and
addictiveness of nicotine," according to The Wall Street Journal.
Tobacco interests gave $154,950 in soft money to Democratic national party committees, one-
tenth of the amount they gave to Republicans, during the first half of 1995, according to the
Common Cause study.
The $1,691,859 in tobacco interests' total soft money contributions to both parties during the
first half of 1995 is by far the tobacco industry's largest soft money total during the first six months
of any year since records were made available, Common Cause found. National political party
committees have been required by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to disclose their soft
-3-
money contributions since 1991.
"The tobacco industry's big money political contributions are hazardous to the health of our
citizens and to the health of our democracy," Common Cause President Ann McBride said. "The
tobacco industry's extraordinary level of giving in the first six months of this year presents a clear
and dramatic picture of how huge corrupting contributions are being carefully targeted to affect the
outcome of government decisions."
PHILIP MORRIS SETS SOFT MONEY RECORDS
Tobacco giant Philip Morris' record $729,749 in soft money contributions to the Republicans
represents a more than 10-fold increase over the company's contributions to Republicans during the
first half of 1993, the previous off-election year, and an eight-fold increase over the company's
contributions to Republicans during the comparable period in 1994, according to the Common Cause
study.
Philip Morris contributed $61,000 in soft money to the Democrats during the first six months
of 1995, according to the study.
Overall, Philip Morris gave a total $790,749 in soft money during the period January through
June 1995, according to the Common Cause study. Philip Morris' soft money contributions during
the first half of 1995 exceed the tobacco company's total soft money contributions of $746,547 given
during the entire 1993-1994 two-year election cycle, the study found.
During the first six months of 1995, Philip Morris gave seven soft money contributions of
$50,000 or more, including separate soft money contributions of $50,000 each to the Republican
National Committee (RNC) and to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on the same day --
March 14, according to the study.
Philip Morris' largest individual soft money gift during the period was a $200,000
-4-
contribution to the RNC on January 9, 1995, according to Common Cause.
PHILIP MORRIS' PAC SWITCH
During the first six months of 1995, Philip Morris gave $149,550 in political action
committee (PAC) money, or 77 percent of its PAC contributions, to Republican congressional
candidates, according to the Common Cause study.
In contrast, during the first six months of 1994, Philip Morris gave $67,400 in PAC money,
or 39 percent of its PAC contributions,
to Republican congressional candidates,
PHILIP MORRIS
Common Cause found.
PAC CONTRIBUTIONS
JANUARY THROUGH JUNE 1993-1995
During the full 1993-1994
1993
1994
1995
Republicans
$83,321
$67,400
$149,550
election cycle, Philip Morris gave 38
Democrats
99,002
103,447
44,750
percent of its PAC contributions to
Republicans and 62 percent to Democrats, according to the study.
In October 1994, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a
statistical analysis of whether tobacco industry political contributions to Members of Congress
influence the federal tobacco policymaking process.
"The [JAMA] researchers found that on bills ranging from tobacco control measures to
cigarette taxes, those Senators who ranked in the top quarter of recipients of industry funds were
42.2 times more likely to vote with the tobacco industry than their colleagues in the lowest quarter;
House members in the top tier were 14.4 times more likely to vote with tobacco than those in the
bottom tier," according to The Washington Post.
OTHER TOBACCO INTERESTS CONTRIBUTE To
INDUSTRY'S RECORD DURING FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1995
In addition to Philip Morris' record-breaking soft money contributions during the first six
-5-
TOBACCO INDUSTRY SOFT MONEY CONTRIBUTIONS
JANUARY THROUGH JUNE 1991-1995
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Republicans
$376,724
$737,914
$293,315
$313,022
$1,536,909
Democrats
$254,250
$351,946
$118,250
$76,750
$154,950
months of 1995, the Common Cause study found:
RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co and its parent company RJR Nabisco contributed $322,700 in soft
money, giving $286,450 to the Republicans and $36,250 to the Democrats;
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp contributed $260,000 in soft money all to the
Republicans;
US Tobacco Co (UST) contributed $117,660 in soft money, giving $90,210 to the
Republicans and $27,450 to the Democrats;
Lorillard Tobacco Co contributed $70,000 in soft money, giving $55,000 to the Republicans
and $15,000 to the Democrats;
The Smokeless Tobacco Council contributed $66,500 in soft money all to the Republicans;
and
The Tobacco Institute contributed $64,250 in soft money, giving $49,000 to the Republicans
and $15,250 to the Democrats.
SOFT MONEY & HARD MONEY
Under current law, corporations and labor unions are prohibited from making contributions in
connection with a federal election, while individuals and PACs are subject to federal limits. Hard
money means contributions that are legal under federal law for federal elections. Soft money means
contributions which are outside the limits and prohibitions of federal law, including large individual
or PAC contributions and direct corporate or union contributions.
The Common Cause study is based on national political party committee reports of their non-
federal, or soft money, accounts from January 1, 1995 through June 30, 1995 filed with the FEC.
Republican soft money figures include soft money contributions to the Republican National
-6-
Committee (RNC), National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), National Republican
Congressional Committee (NRCC), and the Republican Senate-House Dinner Committee.
Democratic soft money figures include soft money contributions to the Democratic National
Committee (DNC), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Democratic Congressional
Campaign Committee (DCCC), and the Democratic Congressional Dinner Committee.
National political party committees were required to disclose their soft money contributions
beginning in 1991, after Common Cause filed a petition with the FEC, challenging the way in which
the FEC was treating soft money.
The Common Cause study is part of a continuing series of studies examining soft money
contributions to the national party committees. Contact the Common Cause Press Office at
(202) 736-5770 for additional information.
#
#
#
Washington Post 11/3/95 A21
DEMOCRATIC 'SOFT MONEY' SCORECARD
A
fter the Democratic Party lost
labor unions, according to an analysis
rather than the congressional
control of Congress last fall, its
of Federal Election Commission
fund-raising committees. Such
national committees raised
reports by Common Cause. The group
unlimited donations cannot go
only about half as much "soft money"
is lobbying for a ban on soft money as
directly to federal candidates, but both
as their GOP counterparts in the first
half of 1995. About $5.3 million of the
part of a comprehensive campaign
parties use soft money to pay
$10.5 million the Democrats raised in
finance reform bill.
administrative costs and fund generic
the six-month period came in
Almost $9 million of the Democrats'
party-building activities such as voter
donations of $50,000 or more from
soft money was raised by the
registration and advertising.
wealthy individuals, corporations and
Democratic National Committee,
-Charles R. Babcock
Donations to national Democratic committees,
$80,150
Jan. 1-June 30, 1995
Ziff, Dirk (president, Ziff Communications)
Communications
$80,000
Allison, Gary
Film producer
$375,000
Bailey, F. Kenneth (Williams Bailey & Wesner) Attorney
The Seagram Co.
Food and liquor
Cofrin, Gladys G.
Community volunteer
$260,000
Conn, C. W. Jr. (CEO, CW Conn Jr Realty)
Real estate and construction
Haroid Nix & Associates
Lawyers/lobbyists
Hutchins, Glenn H. (The Blackstone Group)
Investor
$180,000
Jones, Franklin Jr. (Jones Jones & Curry)
Attorney
Milberg, Weiss, Bershad. Hynes & Lerach
Lawyers/lobbyists
Schultz, Frederick H. (owner, Schultz
$175,000
Investments)
Real estate and construction
Chung, Johnny (owner, Automated
$71,900
Intelligence Systems)
Miscellaneous business
National Education Association
Labor
$156,500
$67,000
'The Yucaipa Companies
Food and liquor
Time Warner Inc.
Communications
$120,000
$65,250
Schwartz, Bernard L. (chairman
Anheuser-Busch Co.
Food and liquor
& president, Loral Corp.)
Aerospace and defense
$65,000
$115,000
Raani Corp.
Miscellaneous business
Service Employees International Union
Labor
US West Inc.
Communications
$110,000
$64,750
Abex Inc.
Aerospace and defense
United Technologies Corp.
Aerospace and defense
Entergy Corp.
Energy
$61,000
$103,000
Philip Morris Cos.
Tobacco
Walt Disney Co.
Entertainment
$60,000
$100,500
Archer Daniels Midland Co.
Agriculture
United Food & Commercial
$55,000
Workers International
Labor
Kertzman, Mitchell E. (chairman & CEO,
$100,000
Powersoft Corp.)
Computer and electronics
American Federation of State,
$51,900
County & Municipal Employees
Labor
Sprint Corp.
Communications
Connell Rice & Sugar Co.
Agriculture
$50,500
Deloitte & Touche
Accounting
American Federation Of Teachers
Labor
Future Tech International Inc.
Computer and electronics
$50,000
Geffen, David
Recording producer
Daihatsu International Trading Inc.
International trade
Revion Group Inc.
Miscellaneous business
Davis, Marvin (president, The Davis Cos.)
Entertainment
Shaw, David E. (CEO, DE Shaw & Co)
Finance
Dayton, Mark B. (president, Vermillion
Shorenstein, Walter H. (chairman,
Investment)
Family investments
Milton Myer & Co.)
Real estate and construction
DeNaples, Louis (chairman, First National
Spielberg, Steven (Amblin Entertainment)
Film producer
Community Bank)
Finance
Spielvogel, Carl (Backer & Spielvogel)
Advertising executive
Fishelson, Julie (chair, Redhead Brass)
General manufacturing
Windmere Corp.
General manufacturing
Mills. Olan II (director, Olan Mills Inc.)
Miscellaneous business
$87,250
Murase, Jiro (partner, Marks Murase & White)
Lawyers/lobbyists
American Postal Workers Union
Labor
Princeton Venture Research Inc.
Finance
$87,000
Rapoport, Bernard (chairman, American
Atlantic Richfield Co.
Energy
Income Life Insurance Co.)
Insurance
$85,000
Rattner, Steven (Lazard Freres & Co.)
Investment banker
International Association of
Ruesch International
Finance
Machinists & Aerospace Workers
Labor
Rzepka, Fred (partner, Transcon Builders Inc.) Real estate and construction
Rollnick. William D.
Investor
United Auto Workers
Labor
$83,000
Chevron Corp.
Energy
SOURCE: Common Cause from Federal Election Commission reports
NOTE: Totals cover donations to the Democratic National Committee. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic
Congressional Dinner Committee. In some cases they include donations by corporate subsidiaries or individual officers.,
THE WASHINGTON POS
THE WASHINGTON POST
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1995 A29
THE FEDERAL PAGE
GOP 'SOFT MONEY' SCORECARD
ongress starts another round of hearings on campaign
$165,000
$78.200
c
Brown-Forman Corp.
Food and liquor
finance reform today, with House Speaker Newt
The Seagram Co.
Food and liquor
ICI Americas Inc.
Chemical
Dow Chemical Co.
Chemical
Gingrich (R-Ga) the scheduled lead witness before the
$150,000
$78,000
Fisher. Donald G. (chairman
US Asia Commercial
American International Group Inc. Insurance
House Oversight Committee. Both parties continue to collect
& CEO, The Gap)
Textile
Development Corp.
International trade
$77,000
W.R. Grace & Co.
millions in "soft money" donations from corporations and wealthy
Chemical
$140,000
Travelers Corp.
Insurance
$57,500
individuals-money intended for party administrative costs,
American Financial Coro.
Insurance
$76,450
American Trucking Associations
Transportation
voter registration, turnout and the like. Corporations are not
$131,700
US West Inc.
Communications
National Soft Drink Association
Food and liquor
permitted to give to federal election candidates.
Textron Inc.
Aerospace and defense
$75,000
Pacific Telesis Group
Communications
Bipartisan bills that would ban soft money as part of a
$125,750
Limited Inc.
Retail
$55,000
campaign finance system overhaul have been introduced in the
Chevron Coro.
Energy
$72,500
Browning Ferris Industries
Environmental and waste
House and Senate. Gingrich co-sponsored such a bill last year.
$105,000
Coastal Paper Co.
Forest and caper products
services
Federal Election Commission records from the latest filing
Ansel, Jerome V. (president,
$71,000
ConAgra Inc.
Agriculture
period, analyzed by the lobby group Common Cause, show that
St. Andrews Realty)
Real estate and construction
Craig, Mr. & Mrs. Earle M.
Federal Home Loan
$7.8 million of the record $20 million in soft money the various
Time Warner Inc.
Communications
(Earie M. Craig Jr. Corp.)
Energy
Mortgage Corp.
Real estate and construction>.
Republican Party committees raised in the first six months of
$102,708
$70,500
GTech Corp.
Gambling and casinos
Blue Cross & Blue
the year came in amounts of $50,000 or more.
Coca-Cola Co.
Food and liquor
Lorillard Tobacco Co.
Tobacco
Shield Association
Insurance
$70,000
One new donor was News Corp., the media conglomerate
Monsanto Co.
Chemical
$100,000
Comcast Corp.
Communications
headed by Rupert Murdoch. One of Murdoch's companies
$54,000
Fruit of the Loom Inc
Textile
$69,200
Massachusetts Mutual Life
Insurance
published Gingrich's best-selling book, "To Renew America."
Mashek, Chandler
3
Political/Ideological
Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. Chemical
Insurance Co.
-Charles R. Babcock
PaineWebber Group Inc.
Finance
$66,800
$53,400
$97,000
General Electric Co.
Aerospace and defense
Chemical Manufacturers
Donations to national Republican committees,
CSX Corp.
Transportation
$66,500
Association
Chemical
Union Pacific Corp.
Transportation
Smokeless Tobacco Council Inc.
Tobacco
Jan. 1-June 30, 1995
$52,000
$91,250
$66,000
AT&T
Communications
AMOUNT,
Prudential Insurance Co. of America insurance
British Petroleum
Energy
Utilicoro United
NAME
DESCRIPTION
Energy
$90,210
$65,105
$50,000
$729,749
US Tobacco Co.
Tobacco
National Association of
Anheuser-Busch Cos.
Philip Morris Cos.
Tobacco
Food and liquor
$90,000
Chain Drug Stores
Retail
$286,450
Association of Trial Lawyers
Pfizer Inc.
Pharmaceuticals
$65,000
of America
RJR Nabisco Washington Inc.
Tobacco
Lawyers/lobbyists
$85,750
Amgen Inc.
Pharmaceuticals
$260,000
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Pharmaceuticais
Public Securities Association
Finance
CS First Boston Group Inc.
Finance
Conley, William Michael
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. Tobacco
$85,000
Eli Lilly & Co.
Pharmaceuticals
(president. Regal Corp.)
Real estate and construction
$215,900
Enron Corp.
Energy
Warnaco Inc.
Textile
Contran Corp.
Atlantic Richfield Co.
Agriculture
Energy
Entergy Corp.
Energy
$63,000
Glaxo Inc.
Pharmaceuticals
$205,000
Morningstar Group
Food and liquor
WMX Technologies Inc.
Environmental and waste
Invemed Associates Inc.
Finance
Archer Daniels Midland Co.
Agriculture
$80,950
services
Merrill, Philip
$201,500
Boeing Co.
Aerospace and defense
$62,000
(owner, Washingtonian)
Magazine
News Corp. (Rupert Murdoch,
$80,000
Ciba-Geigy
Pharmaceuticals
Protective Life Corp.
Insurance
chairman & CEO)
Communications
Mesa Petroleum Co.
Energy
$60,400
Schering-Plough Corp
Pharmacecticals
$175,000
Sprint Corp.
Communications
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
Agriculture
State Industries Inc.
General manufacturing
Forstmann, Little & Co.
Finance
$78,400
Fluor Corc.
Engineering and contracting
Ticketmaster Corp.
Entertainment
$170,000
BankAmerica Corp.
Finance
$60,000
Reliance Group Holdings Inc.
Insurance
American Council of Life Insurance Insurance
Friday: The Democrats
SOURCE: Common Cause from Federal Election Commission reports
NOTE: Totals cover donations to the Republican National Committee. National Republican Senatorial Committee. National Republican Congressional Committee and Republican Senate-House Dinner Committee. in some cases they include donations by corporate subsidiaries or individual officials.
WHO SHOULD BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN,
A BUREAUCRAT OR YOU?
Right now, the Federal bureaucracy wants to tell
A proven solution is to teach young people how to
you and your children how to behave. In short,
resist peer pressure and to enforce the existing laws
they want to become responsible for teaching
in 50 states denying children access to cigarettes.
your children about important lifestyle decisions
We support and are funding efforts to expand
and values.
current educational programs for parents, teachers
In our society, the Government should not
and children-programs that teach children how
replace parents and teachers when it comes
to resist peer pressure and make more fully-
to educating our children about smoking, drinking
informed decisions.
and other important lifestyle decisions.
This message is brought to you in the interest
We all agree we must do something to keep
of an informed debate by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco
cigarettes out of the hands of children under the age
Company. To receive a free 12-page brochure and
of eighteen. But the answer isn't more bureaucracy.
Youth Education Kit, call 1-800-366-8441.
TOGETHER, WE CAN WORK IT OUT
IF WE ENFORCED THE LAWS
NOW IN EFFECT IN 50 STATES,
WE WOULD REDUCE
UNDERAGE SMOKING DRAMATICALLY.
The President has proposed a huge additional
rettes to persons underage. A recent study * proves
Federal bureaucracy to increase regulation of the
that enforcing minimum age laws currently on the
tobacco industry. Under the Administration's plan, the
books can reduce sales of cigarettes to minors
Food and Drug Administration would have jurisdiction
by at least half.
over all tobacco products. While there is agreement
We all agree we must do something to keep
on reducing youth smoking, is the real agenda the
cigarettes out of the hands of children under the age
eventual prohibition of tobacco in America?
of eighteen. But the answer isn't more bureaucracy.
Already, state laws exist that limit youth access.
A proven solution is to teach young people how to
All states have established a minimum age limit of
resist peer pressure and to enforce the existing laws
at least eighteen for buying cigarettes; many limit
in 50 states denying children access to cigarettes.
vending machine placement and require signage
This message is brought to you in the interest
at retail outlets. In fact, 35 states require retailer
of an informed debate by R.J.Reynolds Tobacco
licensing, and 17 states license wholesalers and
Company. To receive a free 12-page brochure and
distributors and prohibit retailers from seiling ciga-
Youth Education Kit, call 1-800-366-8441.
TOGETHER,WE CAN WORK It out
*Retaller Education Study, Denver, CO, 1994. Dr. P. John Lymberopoulos, University of Colorado at Boulder.
THE NEW YORK TIMES, TUESDAY. OCTOBER 17, 1995
A:
The last thing our police forces want to worry about is America's 45 million smokers.
HAS THE GOVERNMENT
GOT ITS
PRIORITIES RIGHT?
When it comes to our national problems,
stopped crime, unemployment, the deficit or drugs.
Americans have a long list of urgent priorities:
We all agree we must do something to keep
crime, unemployment, the deficit, welfare and
cigarettes out of the hands of children under the
drugs. Unfortunately, it appears the Government
age of eighteen. But the answer isn't more bureau-
has a different perspective. It seems that high on
cracy. A proven solution is to teach young people
the Administration's list is a war against smoking.
how to resist peer pressure and to enforce the
While the President calls attention to his latest
existing laws in 50 states denying children access
crusade, other problems facing Americans remain
to cigarettes.
unanswered. The same big Government solutions
This message is brought to you in the interest
that have been proposed to curtail underage smok-
of an informed debate by R.J.Reynolds Tobacco
ing-millions of taxpayer dollars and the creation
Company. To receive a free 12-page brochure and
of additional Federal bureaucracy - have not
Youth Education Kit, call 1-800-366-8441.
TOGETHER, WE. CAN WORK IT OUT
*CNN/USA Today Poll, July 7-9, 1995
Our position, word by word.
Balance
RIGHT
ADULTS'
SHOULD MINORS NOT
CHOOSE
SMOKE
At Philip Morris, we believe that adults have a right
to choose whether or not to smoke.
But we also believe that minors should not smoke.
These two issues - preserving the right of adults to make
personal choices and preventing minors from having
access to cigarettes - are equally important. But they
should be addressed separately. It's important to maintain
a balanced view SO both issues get the attention they deserve.
For instance, our recently launched initiative,
Action Against Access, is one of the most comprehensive
programs ever introduced to prevent minors from having
access to cigarettes. We are confident that this program will
make a difference.
On the other hand, we will continue to vigorously
support the right of adults to make personal choices.
Our position is that the issue of youth and cigarettes
should not be used to curtail the freedom of those adults
who choose to smoke.
It's important to prevent minors from having access to
cigarettes. But it's just as important to respect the rights of
adult smokers and nonsmokers to make individual choices.
MORRIS
PHILIP MORRIS U.S.A.
We want you to know
where we stand.
Facts Matter
In June of this year, Philip Morris voluntarily stopped distributing free samples of all its cigarette
© 1995 Philip Morris Inc.
brands in the United States as part of its Action Against Access program.
National Journal 11/4/95
Our position, word by word.
Youth
SALE
choose whether to smoke or not.
At Philip Morris, we believe that adults have the right to
Minors, on the other hand, should not smoke. Period.
We also believe that preventing minors from having access
to cigarettes is the key to addressing this issue.
That's why we recently launched Action Against Access,
one of the most comprehensive programs ever introduced to
combat the issue of youth access to cigarettes.
Action Against Access is a series of tough initiatives that have
as their ultimate goal making all cigarette sales face-to-face
transactions so age. can be verified in person.
We are confident that, when fully implemented, this
program will make a difference.
Everyone has a role to play in preventing youth access:
educators, lawmakers, parents, communities. And, of course, the
tobacco industry.
At Philip Morris we will continue to take a leadership role
so that minors do not have access to cigarettes.
PM
PHILIP MORRIS U.S.A.
We want you to know
where we stand.
Facts Matter
As part of Action Against Access, all Philip Morris cigarette packs and cartons in the
United States will carry the following notice: "Underage sale prohibited."
© 1995 Philip Morris Inc.
American Spectator October, 1995
National Edition
Smokers' Advocate
OCTOBER 1995
A SERVICE of PHILIP MORRIS U.S.A.
VOLUME ISSUE3
FDA Plan to Regulate Tobacco Could Lead
to Ban on Cigarettes
On August 10, 1995, the Food and Drug Ad-
new restrictions at retail, including a ban on all
ministration (FDA) issued an unprecedented plan to
vending machine sales and the elimination of all
regulate the marketing and sale of cigarettes in this
self-service displays.
country.
The FDA's plan would ban tobacco-brand spon-
The proposed regulations are so severe, and go
sorship of sporting and cultural events. The plan
so far beyond FDA Commissioner David Kessler's
would also prohibit key consumer promotions, such
stated goal of preventing minors from smoking, that
as the Marlboro Country Store, as well as branded
many have speculated that his real objective is a ban
merchandise such as T-shirts and caps.
on cigarettes.
In short, the FDA's plan is an all out assault on
If enacted, the new regulations could interfere
the nation's adult smokers. The plan is clearly an
with adult smokers' ability to buy and enjoy ciga-
attempt by unelected bureaucrats at the FDA to
rettes. For instance, the plan would impose strict
impose their personal views about smoking on the
rest of the nation.
In seeking these tough anti-smoking provisions,
ABC Apologizes for Claims
the FDA has chosen to ignore a major initiative -
that Philip Morris "Spikes"
Action Against Access - launched by Philip Morris
U.S.A. last June, which is a comprehensive plan that
Cigarettes with Extra Nicotine
addresses the key issue of youth access to ciga-
Capital Cities/ABC has agreed to settle the
rettes. Through this initiative, Philip Morris has
libel suit brought against it last year by Philip Morris
undertaken several unilateral steps to try and pre-
Companies Inc. and Philip Morris U.S.A. The suit
vent minors from having access to cigarettes. The
was filed after ABC's DayOne program alleged that
company is also taking a leadership position in
Philip Morris routinely "spiked," or "fortified" ciga-
supporting reasonable state legislation designed to
rettes with nicotine from outside sources.
further restrict minors' access to cigarettes.
As part of the settlement, ABC acknowledged
Like most Americans, Philip Morris does not
that it made a mistake and issued an apology. ABC's
want minors to smoke. However, Philip Morris is
apology was aired during a Monday Night Football
attempting to address the youth smoking issue in a
broadcast, during ABC World News Tonight and
way that does not interfere with the rights of the
nation's adult smokers.
during DayOne.
Commissioner Kessler's action had been antici-
In addition, ABC agreed to pay Philip Morris'
attorneys' fees, costs, and out-of-pocket litigation
pated for several months, as he has made no secret
expenses that Philip Morris incurred in connection
of his position on cigarette smoking. What sur-
with the lawsuit.
prised many, however was the scope and severity
(continued on page 3)
(continued on page 4)
Smokers' Advocate
National Edition
October 1995
MIDWEST
cially-strapped county through a 25-cent
Ohio. Cuyahoga city and county officials
per pack increase in the state cigarette
want smokers to help foot the bill for
excise tax. State legislators had already
renovating Cleveland Stadium, despite
rejected efforts to increase the tax by
indications that the Cleveland Browns
17-cents per pack to provide economic
football team is considering leaving the
relief to bankrupt Orange County.
city. Smokers will have an opportunity to
STATEWATCH
say "NO" to this effort on Election Day,
Colorado. Boulder voters will go to
when voters will be asked to consider a
the polls in November to vote on a
ten-year extension of the current ciga-
modified proposal to limit smoking in
rette excise tax.
public places. City council members offered the
modified version after a ground swell of public
SOUTHWEST
opposition forced the reconsideration of a previ-
Texas. Plano City Council agrees to amend new
ously-adopted measure, which would have banned
anti-smoking ordinance after six local businesses
smoking completely from all public places, includ-
filed a lawsuit challenging city's strict smoking
ing restaurants and taverns.
measure. Settlement will allow businesses to set
up designated smoking and non-smoking areas.
Utah. Some members of the legislature want to
increase the cigarette excise taxes as a way to
WEST
fund new state anti-smoking programs. Gov.
California, State Assembly rejects proposal by
Leavitt says he will not take a position on the
Los Angeles County legislators to assist the finan-
proposed tax hike until later this year.
Points you can make in opposing
FDA regulation of cigarettes
Following are some points you may want to make in your
medical devices - some that have been in use for
letter to your senators and representative. If you agree with
years in other developed countries. As these Ameri-
these statements, feel free to use them in your letters to your
cans wait, Commissioner Kessler spends his time
elected officials.
trying to expand his regulatory empire.
Everyone agrees that minors should not smoke.
Last year's elections sent a clear message that
But the FDA's plan to address the issue goes way
Americans want less, not more, government interfer-
beyond the youth smoking issue, and would in-
ence in their lives. Giving an unelected bureaucrat
fringe on the ability of adult smokers to purchase
like Commissioner Kessler sweeping new powers
and enjoy cigarettes.
over their personal decisions would clearly go against
Americans' stated desires.
Certainly the FDA has more important things to
do than dictate politically-correct behavior.
There is no reason to allow the FDA to regulate
cigarettes. Several federal and state agencies al-
The president has directed the FDA to regulate
ready have regulatory authority over the production,
tobacco at a time when the agency is woefully
marketing, sale and consumption of cigarettes. Laws
unable to fulfill its current obligations, including
are already on the books in every state that prohibit
the approval of new drugs and medical devices. In
the sale of cigarettes to minors. Let's do a better job
fact, thousands of Americans are waiting for the
of enforcing existing laws before adding to the gov-
FDA to approve potentially life-saving drugs and
ernment bureaucracy.
Smokers' Advocate
National Edition
October 1995
FDA Regulation of Tobacco
Tell Your Legislators that you oppose
Unwarranted, Illegal
FDA Regulation of Cigarettes
(continued from page one)
of the FDA's plan. Many were also surprised that
FDA regulation of tobacco will certainly be an
President Clinton endorsed the plan, and directed
issue for the U.S. Congress in the coming months.
the agency to assert jurisdiction over the tobacco
Already proposals have been introduced in both
industry, even though Congress-and only Congress
the House of Representatives and the Senate to
- has the authority to grant the FDA that power.
prohibit the FDA from asserting regulatory con-
Philip Morris U.S.A. believes that FDA jurisdic-
trol over tobacco.
tion over the tobacco industry is illegal. On the day
It is absolutely essential that your senators
the FDA published its proposed regulations, Philip
and representative are aware that there is wide-
Morris joined with other members of the U.S. to-
spread public opposition to the FDA's illegal and
bacco industry and a North Carolina advertising
draconian plan to regulate and even ban ciga-
agency in filing a lawsuit in federal court to block the
rettes.
FDA's action.
You can write to your two U.S. Senators at the
Two other lawsuits, one by the advertising com-
following address:
munity and another by the manufacturers of smoke-
[Name of Senator]
less tobacco, have also been filed to prevent FDA
United States Senate
regulation of tobacco.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, several pieces of
You can write to your member of the House of
legislation have been introduced to address the FDA's
Representatives as follows:
action.
[Name of Representative]
When the FDA published its plan, it started the
U.S. House of Representatives
clock on a 90-day public comment period, which was
Washington, D.C. 20515
recently extended to early December. At the conclu-
If you do not know your legislators' names or
sion of the comment period, the FDA will evaluate
addresses, you can find out by calling your local
the comments received, and may decide to issue
board of elections.
revised regulations.
But how can consumers most effec-
-
RAMiRZ
tively oppose the FDA's plan to regulate
SERVICE
cigarettes? By sending a letter to their
members of Congress, letting them know
Two things that can immediately reduce
that FDA regulation of cigarettes is nei-
teen smoking:
ther needed nor wanted.
If Commissioner Kessler has his way,
the manner in which cigarettes are mar-
keted and sold in this country will be
changed forever. To achieve that goal,
Commissioner Kessler is apparently
ready to trample on whatever laws, con-
stitutional protections and individual free
doms happen to get in his way. All Ameri-
cans have a stake in opposing David
Kessler's unprecedented power grab.
Please take a few minutes today, and let
your elected officials in Washington know
how you feel.
Parents.
Smokers' Advocate
National Edition
October 1995
Does Your Favorite Restaurant
Accommodate Smokers?
Day One Apologizes
(continued from page one)
If you were asked to describe what makes
"We are extremely pleased that the case has been
your favorite restaurant special, what would you
resolved and that the 'spiking' charge is now behind
say? Quality and selection of the food? Atmo-
us," said Charles R Wall, senior vice president and
sphere? Wine list? Cost? Friendliness and com-
deputy general counsel, Philip Morris Companies
petency of the staff? Cleanliness?
Inc.
All of these probably have some degree of
The allegation that tobacco companies "spike"
importance in determining what makes a restau-
cigarettes with nicotine from outside sources re-
rant stand out from the competition. But for
ceived a great deal of attention not only by the media
smokers, whether or not a restaurant offers com-
but also in congressional hearings, litigation, and by
fortable designated seating areas can be of para-
the FDA
mount importance.
Philip Morris has repeatedly stated that it does
Next time you're out to dinner, you may want
not "spike" or "fortify" its cigarettes with additional
to take a moment to express to the restaurant
nicotine and that, in fact, its finished cigarettes actu-
manager your satisfaction, or dissatisfaction, with
ally contain less nicotine than was contained in the
that establishment's smoking area.
raw materials from which they are made.
You may also want to let the manager know
"There has been a great deal of unfair and mis-
about The Accommodation Program, a program
leading media coverage of the tobacco industry, par-
offered by Philip Morris U.S.A. as a way to help
ticularly over the last few months. I'm glad that ABC
restaurateurs and other business owners who
has apologized for its mistake on the critical issue of
want to ensure that all guests, smokers and non-
'spiking'. In the future, we hope the charges our
smokers, have an enjoyable visit while in their
critics level against us are not taken at face value but
establishment.
are instead carefully scrutinized before they are ac
For more information on The Accommoda-
cepted and publicized," Wall said.
tion Program, please contact 1-800-494-7444.
National Edition
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAI D
Smokers' Advocate
PERMIT #7934
MIAMI, FL
120 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEWYORK 10017
© 1995 PHILIP MORRIS U.S.A.
PM
NEWS
FDA PLAN COULD
LINE
HURT TOBACCO SALES
RETAILER
EDITION
OCTOBER 1995
Points
You May
Want to
Use to
Oppose
the FDA's
Plan
F ollowing are some points
you may want to consider in
writing to the FDA and to
Congress:
I agree that minors should
A
this provision, popular
a brief letter to the following
Among those hardest hit
not smoke or have access to
images such as the Marlboro
address:
economically by the FDA's
tobacco products. We verify
Man and the Virginia Slims
Docket #95N-0253
plan to regulate tobacco
the ID's of all potential cus-
models would become illegal
Dockets Management
would be the nation's tobacco
tomers who may be under-
in some newspaper and
Branch (HFA-305)
retailers.
magazine advertisements,
age.
Food and Drug
This is because, among
depending upon readership
Administration, Room 1-23
There's already enough
other things, the FDA plan
profiles.
12420 Parklawn Drive
regulation at the local, state
would:
The FDA claims that these
Rockville, MD 20857
and federal levels.
Ban all self-service displays.
drastic measures are needed
The FDA requires individu-
Government red tape and
Ban all vending machine
to prevent minors from smok-
als writing on behalf of a
paperwork already consume
sales.
ing. While we agree that
business to submit a total of
too much time and money.
Ban all promotional items
steps should be taken to pre-
four copies of their letter.
Retailers are working to
such as clocks, change mats,
vent youths from smoking,
You can also oppose the
improve their compliance
T-shirts and caps that depict
these measures go way
FDA's effort by sending
with underage sales laws.
cigarette brand names or
beyond their stated objective,
copies of your letter to your
More federal regulations will
logos.
and could dramatically affect
U.S. senators and representa-
not solve the issue of under-
Ban all consumer promo-
an adult smoker's right to
tive, SO that they are aware of
age smoking.
tions that feature cigarette
choose and your ability to sell
your opposition to the FDA's
brand names or logos, includ-
cigarettes to adults.
misguided regulatory plan.
Tobacco companies pay me
ing the Marlboro Country
The FDA is accepting public
It is critical that as-many
to display their signage. If
Store.
comments on this issue
retailers as possible make
self-service displays are
Restrict cigarette advertis-
through January 2, 1996.
their opposition known.
ing to black text on white
You can have your opposition
Please act today. Your
background except in certain
to the FDA's plan added to
business could depend on it.
(continued on back page)
"adult" periodicals. Under
the official record by sending
CEI
COMPETITIVE ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE
Press Conference:
Contact: Greg Smith (202) 331-1010
CEI FINDS GROUNDS TO REGULATE CAFFEINE
Group Files Petition to Wake Up FDA
WASHINGTON, DC October 25-A public interest group is today petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to
regulate coffee, colas and other caffeine-containing beverages as drugs. According to the Competitive Enterprise Insti-
tute, such regulation is mandated by FDA's proposal to regulate tobacco, which was released this past August.
CEI will unveil the petition at a press conference Wednesday, October 25, 11:00 AM
at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, 1001 Connecticut Ave., NW (building en-
trance on K Street) Suite 1250.
Rx
CEI General Counsel Sam Kazman stated: "We do not claim that the risks of drinking these beverages are at all compa-
rable to the risks of smoking, and in our view FDA regulation of such beverages would produce no social benefit. None-
theless, FDA's tobacco proposal sets out new criteria for classifying substances as drugs and devices, and these criteria
are as applicable to caffeine as they are to nicotine. FDA has an obligation to apply these criteria evenhandedly."
According to the CEI petition, there is an extensive medical literature describing caffeine's addictive nature and its
pharmacological effects as a central nervous system stimulant. There is also evidence that consumers use caffeinated
products to obtain these effects, and that industry manipulates caffeine levels in its products for this purpose. Finally,
there is the issue of use by minors. FDA has noted that most regular smokers begin smoking as minors; similarly, in the
words of one expert, "life-long patterns of caffeine consumption are probably often established in childhood". As a wide
range of soft drink advertising campaigns demonstrate, industry deliberately markets these products to young people.
"All the arguments FDA uses against tobacco can also be used against caffeine," states CEI analyst Ben Lieberman.
CEI is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy group dedicated to free markets and limited government. For a copy of the
petition or for more information, call Greg Smith at (202) 331-1010.
Please RSVP acceptances to Debbie or Brenda at: (202) 331-1010
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 1250
Washington, D.C. 20036
Telephone: (202) 331-1010
Fax: (202) 331-0640