Romania: mixed messages
There is mounting concern among health advocates around the world about the tobacco industry's latest public relations strategy: pretending that it has changed, and asking for a dialogue with government and health authorities in place of previous confrontation. It is as if a person repeatedly convicted of theft decides, perhaps on the advice of his lawyers, to announce a change of character, and engage the police force in pleasant conversation, helped along by a generous contribution to funds, and sponsorship of a programme purporting to reduce crime. The paedophilia analogy in the editorial of this issue is equally valid (p 261). To demand instant acceptance of a change is not only inappropriate, but presumes that the industry has changed its …
