Absurd divestment

WASHINGTON – One of these days, the trade embargo with Cuba will be lifted and goods will flow freely back and forth between the peoples of Madison and Havana.

Except for cigars, that is.

Because by the time we ever look to legalizing a fine Cuban Montecristo, at this rate, the state of Wisconsin – or at least the city of Madison – will have have completely outlawed tobacco. The capital town is already responsible for leading the way in Dairyland with an overly-restrictive, anti-business, anti-libertarian smoking ban. And now, according to the Wisconsin State Journal, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System is looking to divest from all tobacco interests.

As I sit here, preparing to light up a Padron cigar and watch college football in the great American tradition, this would seem an opportune moment to point out what I once thought to be abundantly obvious: tobacco is a legal substance. It is only regulated insofar as it is taxed and its sale is prohibited to youth. Otherwise, you can smoke it, pack it, filter it, chew it, roll it, dip it, flavor it or do just about anything else you darn well please with it. And as long as we are all feeling historically nostalgic on this Thanksgiving holiday, I might add that tobacco was here long before the Pilgrims.

I understand that there is a certain risk associated with tobacco's use. But, to borrow from the now-cliché argument, there is a risk every time someone crosses the street. And, as a society, we have agreed to allow our citizens to undertake such risks.

So can we please stop with the vilification of tobacco and tobacco companies? No one at the Marlboro plant or the Padron factory is thinking like John Wayne Gacy. And, as far as the Board of Regents is concerned, if the UW System can make a few bucks off such companies, it really should.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I am off in search of a cigar cutter.