In response to “Tobacco firms fear court decision could cost $300 billion” (News, Oct. 21), I feel in no way are the tobacco companies responsible for the damages caused by cigarettes. The tobacco companies don’t force the consumers to smoke; the consumers willingly ignore the fact that cigarettes could eventually kill them. It’s the smokers’ fault because they know well beforehand the risks of smoking.
The government also has no right to sue the tobacco companies in order to pay for Medicare costs because that’s why cigarettes have been taxed so much over the years. What has the government done with all the money they have made from taxes if they need even more to pay for Medicare? And hasn’t government been a partner with the tobacco industry through regulation and subsidies of tobacco farmers?
