Scientists from the American Council on Science and Health confirmed today that the Liggett Group settlement is not the public health victory it appears, contrary to the near-universal positive response from the rest of the public health community.
In an editorial in today's Wall Street Journal, Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, ACSH president, pointed out that a little-known addendum to the Liggett deal ensures that it brings no health gains at all. Rather, it will serve as a fresh coating of legal Teflon for the cigarette company. It may even be the prototype for a coming deal involving the entire industry. It's no wonder that shares of Brooke Group, which owns Liggett, soared after the settlement.
