Make a Killing: A Smoking Satire on Selling Cigarettes

by Gordon B. Lindsay

The strategies of the international tobacco industry and its powerful lobby are the focus of this carefully researched and documented exposé. The author, Gordon B. Lindsay, is known nationwide for his research on the effects of smoking and the intricacies of the tobacco industry. In this biting satire, he reveals the strategies that have been used by tobacco tycoons to foist a dangerous and addictive drug on the public in the face of mounting evidence of its harmful effects. Writing in an entertaining style as if giving advice to tobacco-firm executives, he tells how they maximize profits at the expense of smokers worldwide. Beginning with an invitation to all who are interested in the high income from professional drug-pushing, he details the strategies that have led to success in the $50-billion-a-year tobacco industry. He shows how the tobacco tycoons have portrayed the trade as an ordinary and ethical busines rather than the pushing of a deadly drug; how they have relied on the addicting power of nicotine to maintain profits; and how they have utilized powerful political alliances in public relations efforts to keep the public in the dark and prevent regulation. He shows that the political influence of the tobacco industry is pervasive and cites studies show that the more money legislators get from tobacco companies, the less likely they are to vote against tobacco's interests. This engrossing volume contains carefully researched data that provide undeniable evidence of the shocking ripoff carried out for generations by the tobacco industry. It ends with comments on the latest developments in the tobacco lawsuits, and gives a call to arms which asks all readers to take up the cause against this dangerous and addictive drug.

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Gaylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Lindsay was one of my professors in college. He made this book into a presentation to show us how dumb we can be when it comes to advertisers (tobacco companies, in this case) targeting us for unhealthy (even deadly) products. If you are thinking of quitting, read this and it will make you mad enough that you will never want to give those tobacco guys your money again! Excellent book.