The tobacco companies are guilty of being greedy and not wanting to pay taxes or tariffs on their goods.

The US government probably looks at it as a penny saved is a penny earned - and back into the home economy.

Tobacco companies and politicians all pay close attention to the number of zeroes which follow a number.

It is not surprising the legislation was amended.

Do I support it?

No. But I understand it.

The health-conscious US is no longer the market the third world is. It's easier to hook the Europeans where almost everyone smokes like a chimney.

Also the exports are able to be made more addictive in certain less regulated nations.

It is a human tragedy - but it is like a juggernaut, fostered by centuries -old subsidies which one does not want to be plowed over by.

The tobacco companies probably said

"Hey..if you don't amend this we will be losing marketshare and increasing costs to Americans while giving lots of money to many of the US' enemies. Isn't it better to avoid the legislation risk losing a small transfer of funds than risk funding our enemies with up front billions in tariffs for smokes?"

From this point of view it seems almost rational. Corrupt yes...but rational.

Yes, I know this sounds like I was there in the room as the discussion took place. I wasn't - but I know how these things work. ;-)

SDAI-Tech1