Today A federal judge blocked a U.S. rule requiring tobacco companies to display graphic images on cigarette packs, such as a man exhaling cigarette smoke through a hole in his throat.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon sided with tobacco companies and granted a temporary injunction, saying they would likely prevail in their lawsuit challenging U.S. health regulators' rule as unconstitutional because it compels speech in violation of the First Amendment.
But what if the warnings were not so graphic; but still had an impact?
"I SMOKE THESE"
Maybe a picture of the celebrity skank known as Lindsay Lohan saying she smokes them would deter potential smokers?
"EVERY SMOKE MAKES ME MORE FAMOUS"
Or Justin Bieber's fame rising because you smoke a cigarette could deter millions of people from lighting up.
"SMOKE THEM I'M A DOCTOR"
How about the infamous Dr. Conrad Murray saying it is OK to smoke? Surely a recommendation from a doctor that famously screwed up basic CPR should be enough to get people to quit?
The warnings on cigarettes don't have to be graphic - they just have to have reverse endorsements.
