If somebody invented cigarettes today, the government would not legalize them.

In this quote, Loni Anderson, an American actress, is reflecting on the public health risks associated with cigarettes and the way they are treated by government policy. She suggests that if cigarettes were invented in the present day, they would likely not be legalized due to the known health hazards they pose. Anderson is highlighting the significant advances in knowledge regarding the dangers of smoking, such as the links between cigarette use and lung cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses.

Anderson's statement emphasizes how societal norms and government policies evolve over time. In the past, when cigarettes were first introduced, their dangers were not fully understood, and they were marketed widely, even as a socially acceptable product. However, with modern research and public awareness, it’s clear that the risks far outweigh any potential benefits, which is why, according to Anderson, a modern government would likely ban them rather than allow them to be sold.

The quote also touches on the regulatory power of government, especially in areas related to public health. Anderson implies that government agencies, particularly those tasked with protecting public welfare, would take a strong stance against a product with such serious and well-documented health risks. This aligns with current trends in public health regulation, such as restrictions on smoking in public places and warnings on cigarette packaging.

Ultimately, Anderson's quote underscores the discrepancy between how cigarettes were treated in the past and how they would likely be handled today, given the increased understanding of their harmful effects. It also serves as a critique of how society and government have allowed the cigarette industry to continue operating for so long despite its detrimental impact on public health.