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Don’t pass tobacco law

Regarding “Bill touts hike in smoking age to 21” (Jan. 22): It would only take one challenge under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution in federal court to have any legislation restricting smoking tobacco use before age 21 to be struck down as unconstitutional. If that were to happen, it stands to reason that laws restricting drinking and marijuana use to those 21 and over would also follow.

The only reason the drinking age was set at 21 is because President Reagan signed a bill preventing states from receiving highway funds if they didn’t do so. The fact is that Child Protection Services does not provide services after kids reach 18. Eighteen-year-olds pay taxes, are criminally liable for their actions, etc.

There is no reason to assume a federal judge wouldn’t strike down the drinking age law as a consequence of a tobacco challenge. That is how administrative law works. Don’t pass the tobacco law.

Robert Seward

Moscow, Idaho

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