Robert A. Levy

In the following viewpoint Robert A. Levy claims that tobacco companies are not specifically targeting teens when they advertise in general interest magazines. Levy argues further that tobacco ads are not responsible for teen smoking. He contends that teens begin to smoke for many reasons, including peer pressure and a desire to rebel, and tobacco companies should not be wrongly blamed for teens’ tobacco habits. Robert A. Levy is senior fellow in constitutional studies at the Cato Institute.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Levy, why was Philip Morris eager to curtail its magazine advertising?
2. What was the result of a five-year Justice Department investigation of tobacco companies, in the author’s opinion?
3. What does Levy argue is the purpose of cigarette ads?

Exuding self-righteousness, California [attorney...