Dear Editor, (Please edit as needed—thank you)

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently made headlines for handling snakes at the home of CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. Behind this bravado lies a troubling contrast in public health leadership. Consider local trailblazers like Mayor Mike Sawyer (Midland City, AL, 1984–1988), who aggressively enforced anti-smoking laws to protect youth and created the world’s first "Smoking Kills" youth sports league in Kentucky in 1998. In stark contrast, Kennedy is actively weakening tobacco regulations, cutting cessation funding, and fast-tracking e-cigarettes. This policy shift raises a vital question for America's future: do we need a leader who catches snakes, or one who fights Big Tobacco—a force that remains on the loose, killing nearly 500,000 Americans annually?

With compassion,

Mike Sawyer, Master of Divinity, former Mayor of Midland City, AL (1984-88)
2024 Humanitarian of the Year award at my favorite “high needs” middle school
Youth advocate & activist since 1983
Denver, CO
Text: 205-515-1560
Email: msawyer911@gmail.com
X: @FitToGive