DOLLR SIGNS AFFECT TOBACCO SETTLEMENT

Several months ago, the nation's eyes were opened a bit by an agreement with the nation's tobacco companies in which the cigarette makers pretty much said their smokes caused health problems that cost states billions of dollars to treat.

The agreement was a settlement for the tobacco companies to pay more than $365 billion over 25 years to offset those health-care costs and to fund programs to persuade youngsters not to smoke. In return, the tobacco companies would get immunity from class-action lawsuits.

The agreement, however, had to be approved by Congress. Federal lawmakers have chosen to view the settlement as a cash cow for hundreds of projects that have little or nothing to do with tobacco-related health problems or young smokers.

As a matter of fact, the agreement has just about fallen apart as Congress and the White House trade ideas on how to spend $500 billion -- the rest of the money comes from a whopping per-pack increase in the cigarette tax. In the meantime, the tobacco firms' plum regarding class-action lawsuit has fallen by the wayside, so they aren't particularly eager to see what Congress approves.

Those who say a billion dollars is hard to comprehend may be right. And when it's $500 billion, the mind gets a little bonky. For evidence, watch what's happening in Washington, D.C., right now.

These discussions should get back on track: Focus on the cigarette industry and the health problems associated with smoking. Otherwise, there is no telling what uses will be found for more money than anyone can imagine.