From: "Jason" <??????????????????>
Subject: ban tobacco?

Hello. I am currently doing a research project against all of the
reasons why we should NOT ban tobacco exports to Russia. First off, do
you believe that banning tobacco exports to Russia would be a
substantial change in our foreign policy toward Russia? I personally
do NOT believe that it is, seeing as how it is only one of the many
products we export. If it is not to much trouble, i would greatly
appreciate an explanation on why you think it is or is NOT. Second, it
also would be a great honor if you could email me an explanation of
some of the many reasons why banning tobacco exports to Russia would
be bad and dangerous. I personally believe other countries would fill
in, there would be smuggling, etc. But i REALLY need a qualified group
such as yours to explain your position. If you could do this small
thing for me, I WOULD BE ETERNALLY GREATFUL. I thank you in advance
and really hope to get a response.

Thanks,
Jason McDonald
??????????????????

[Here's a non-obvious one. Little known fact: the U.S. steel industry
is dependent on the metal vanadium, and Russia holds a world
monopoly. They sold to us throughout the cold war. If the current
government were to ban tobacco sales to Russia, it would be
entertaining to see what would happen when the Russians retaliated by
banning vanadium sales to the United States!  -S.]


~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U ~\U