In a surprising move, President Joe Biden has decided to cancel a plan to ban menthol cigarettes. This decision has sparked controversy and outrage among activist groups and organizations, who argue that banning these cigarettes would save lives and prevent the targeting of Black communities.
The Wall Street Journal reported that about a third of all cigarettes sold in the U.S. are menthols, with Black people being the largest consumers of the product. This move by the Biden administration has raised questions about the potential political repercussions and the impact on Black voters, who have been a key demographic in Biden’s election win.
The decision to cancel the ban has been met with criticism from activist groups and organizations. They argue that by banning menthols, it would lead to an increase in the sale of menthol cigarettes on the black market and would result in racial profiling by law enforcement. NAACP President Derrick Johnson stated that this decision is a “blow to the Black community” and that it is being used as a “pawn” to gain Black voters in the upcoming election. The American Lung Association also expressed their disappointment, stating that the decision does not align with the science and the response from the civil rights community.
The administration has stated that the decision to pull back on the plan is due to the need for more conversations and considerations and that it will take significant time. Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said that “it’s clear that there are still more conversations to have.”
This raises questions about the initial decision to ban menthols and whether it was thoroughly thought through. The sudden change in plans has also cast doubts on the administration’s commitment to follow the science and reduce deaths and cancer associated with menthol cigarettes.
The ban on menthol cigarettes was initially proposed as an effort to curb smoking and its harmful effects, especially in Black communities. Studies have shown that menthol cigarettes are more addictive and can have a greater impact on health, leading to higher death rates among Black smokers.
This was seen as a targeted approach to address the disproportionate impact of smoking on the Black community. However, the decision to cancel the ban has sparked a debate on whether there are better ways to address the issue of smoking and its impact on minority communities.
Some argue that the ban would only push smokers toward the black market, while others believe that it would significantly reduce the number of smokers and save lives. The move has also raised concerns about the influence of the tobacco industry on the decision-making process. It is estimated that the tobacco industry spends millions of dollars on lobbying each year, and this decision has raised questions about the impact of such lobbying on the government’s decisions.
On the other hand, some have supported the administration’s decision to cancel the ban, stating that it is a positive move for the economy and individual choice. The ban would have affected not only the tobacco industry but also small businesses and individuals who rely on the sale of menthol cigarettes. This raises questions about the impact on the economy and the concerns of those who would have been affected by the ban.
The cancellation of the ban on menthol cigarettes has sparked a debate and raised questions about the motives behind the decision. The Biden administration faces backlash and criticism from various groups and organizations, who believe that the decision goes against the promised commitment to follow the science and protect the health of all communities.
However, the administration has stated that there is a need for further discussions and considerations on the matter. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the health and well-being of minority communities and the overall smoking rates in the country.
