A worthy update

Not that it had much choice, but the city is updating its tobacco ordinance to comply with state law.
State statute or city ordinance, we applaud legislation aimed at keeping tobacco out of the hands of 18-year-olds. Because there are 19- and 20-year-olds who had the legal right to purchase, possess and use tobacco products, we also agree with the change making possession of tobacco for those people a civil penalty rather than a criminal matter.
We hope licensed tobacco retailers and their staffs in Glencoe and the area will embrace the change and be diligent about complying with the age requirement.
We are aware some people will argue against lowering the age to purchase, possess and use tobacco products. Folks will state a young person can serve his country in the country’s armed forces at 18 but not legally have a beer or enjoy a heater. Yes, that’s inconsistent.
Other than the huge tax revenue they generate, there is nothing beneficial about tobacco products. It’s just as inconsistent that the federal government, when saddled with the rising cost of health care support, has subsidized tobacco farmers, according to a report from the Federal Crop Insurance Corp. Long ago, a tobacco critic said cigarettes are the only product licensed by the federal government, when used as directed, will eventually kill you.

-jm