SMOKE GOT IN THEIR EYES - RECALLS & SAFETY ALERTS

March 15, 2005

Consumer News & Alerts | Ma, 2005

SMOKE GOT IN THEIR EYES It didn't just drift over from the next table, the tobacco industry blew it there. What happened was, Philip Morris underwrote some "scientific studies" that cast doubt on the notion that secondhand smoke contributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Scientists were taken in. They believed the studies and so did doctors, who told their patients there was no credible evidence that secondhand smoke would cause SIDS. Guess what? The whole thing was something that's politely called "issues management." Lies, in other words. A new study documents the tobacco industry's deception ... and the very real risk to infants of secondhand smoke.

And now boys and girls ... Despite British researchers' warnings that children should not use cell phones, a company called Firefly is promoting cell phones designed especially for children. You know, smaller keypads and speed-dial buttons for Mom and Dad. What, no button for the oncologist?

McDonald's Gets Leafy Gee, countless lawsuits later, look who's promoting salads. After years of showing happy smiling faces chowing down on burgers, McDonald's has launched what it's calling its "Balanced, Active Lifestyles" ad campaign. The new ads show happy smiling faces munching lettuce and chomping carrots. Hey, if it works, we're all for it.

SENATE PASSES MBNA BANKRUPTCY BILL When your editor was banished to Washington 20 or so years ago, there was still something called politics. Business, labor and other economic interests competed for power and influence; Congress had to answer to the electorate. But now the voters have been distracted by phony social issues and have stopped paying attention, leaving government openly for sale to the highest bidder. It's sort of government by eBay.

We think it's time to memorialize this arrangement by naming legislation after the companies who buy the votes needed to pass it -- just the way sports stadiums are named for the highest bidder. The Ford Class Action Bill would be the first. The next big-ticket item -- the MBNA Bankruptcy Bill. It cuts no slack for military personnel, the critically ill, divorced, unpaid family caregivers or identity theft victims driven to the poor house by ruinous interest rates, penalty charges and overlimit fees. Of course, millionaire deadbeats will still be able to shelter huge assets in states that allow the homestead exemption. States' rights, you know.

We liked Sen. Edward Kennedy's comments just prior to the Senate vote. Of the MBNA Bankruptcy Bill, he said: "It turns the United States Senate into a collection agency for the credit card companies."

RENDER UNTO ... Of course, states' rights go out the window when those pesky states start making trouble for big contributors. The Federal Communications Commission has decreed that henceforth there will be a national "consumer protection standard" for cell phones. This provides one-stop-shopping for lobbyists, who will no longer have to trudge to Sacramento, Springfield or Albany. Oh, and it will be a lot better for consumers too, the FCC said in a statement. Also, we know of a bridge for sale in Brooklyn