Smokers' Rights Activists were all bankrolled by Big Tobacco. Groups like the 'National Smoker's Alliance (NSA)', formed in 1993, one of the earliest examples of "astroturfing". Much of the wording and arguments against public health policy are the same.
Interesting choice here to draw a bad cop but then also draw a good cop too
The difference between these "anti-public health" movements and genuine struggle for civil rights is the inherent selfishness, focusing on actions and entitlements rather than true equality, but the similarities are superficially enough to feel like expressions of the same intent.
Good thread. As an aside, gas stations and convenience stores now account for most cigarette sales. These retailers, often recent immigrants, serve as a sympathetic opposition to legislation to restrict cigarette sales, with their lawyers being secretly bankrolled by Big Tobacco.
And the FUD tactics used by the tobacco industry, as well as its astroturf tactics, were adapted to stonewall measures to address climate change. Often a lot of the same people were involved! Think about that next time you see someone ranting about the "freedom" to have a gas stove.
"Smokey Joe" Barton is known for apologizing to BP after the 2010 Oil spill, and harassing climate scientists. Turns out he's also been a key connection between the tobacco industry and the climate denial industry. Archival footage from ABC News on the tobacco wars of the 90s turns up sequences of Smoky Joe in action on behalf of Big Cancer.
Yeah they pretty much cover all the same talking points
One of my neighbors has a "I smoke and I vote" sticker on their truck. So this insanity is still out there.