One could dismiss this study by saying that it doesn’t pass the laugh test. However, the fact that this study was funded by the National Cancer Institute should give one pause. It is bad enough when the Left tries to delegitimize an organization (or person) by insinuating that not only are its policies wrong but that it is out of the mainstream and therefore it should not be allowed to take part in the political process. However, when such ideas are promulgated by an agency of the government, then we are on the path of officially sanctioning the removal of such an organization from the political process. It is fraught with danger when the government decides who is or is not legitimate.

On a side note, the irony of the government trying to link the Tea Party to Big Tobacco is quite palpable. It is the government, not the Tea Party, that is in bed with Big Tobacco. For each pack of cigarettes sold the government makes 10 times the amount of money than does the Tobacco industry. You would think that they should be more solicitous of their cash cow.