The US government boldly protected kids recently by banning "flavored" cigarettes. Menthol, of course, is not a "flavor." So now an FDA scientific advisory panel is convening to study this menthol issue more closely. An impartial panel, okay?

"The panel includes 'no extremists' against cigarettes and no one who has previously said menthol should be limited or banned, according to a recent investor note from David J. Adelman, industry analyst for Morgan Stanley," reports the NYT. Plus there's a scientist from the company that makes Newports, to advise! Stand up against extremism, and in defense of flavor!