Tobacco and pharmaceuticals (letter)

by Tom King

News Weekly, April 10, 2004
Sir,

The fine editorial "Don't Torch the Sugar Industry" (NW, February 28), was complemented by letters from Margaret Menzel and Alan Barron.

Regrettably, the sound logic will have no impact, unless the NCC harnesses its considerable influence, and obtain pledges from all political hopefuls seeking our collective support.

For example, tobacco farmers have been sacrificed on the altar of rationalism and manipulation. Yet only one Senator, Len Harris of One Nation, considered the success of a USA tobacco initiative worth pursuing. Three other parties ignored the information.

Florida University pioneered the successful production of the blood serum, Interferon, with tobacco as the host plant. Numerous other organic compounds have since been trialled and successfully tested.

The tobacco plant, that is being ploughed in the soil of the so-called "Smart State", has been converted into a virtual pharmaceutical factory.

It appears that, yet again, political and media bias have euthanased a potential saviour for a proven primary industry.

Tom King,
Elanor, Qld