Sunday mystery

Today's NY Times Magazine includes "If It's Good For Philip Morris, Can It Be Good For Public Health?" It appears that big-tobacco execs want FDA regulation and the FDA's David Kessler, who badly wants to regulate, is suspicious.

The story notes, in passing, the recent rise "of about 100 small cigarette companies --with names like Liberty Brands and Virginia Brands -- that now undercut the big boys on price."

Could it be that writer Joe Nocera has missed the big story all through his very long cover story? No need to be suspicious; the big boys know a cartelization opportunity when they see one.