Do tanning beds really need lobbyists?

The language used in this press release from the Indoor Tanning Association made my jaw drop, and not just because I found out there's such a thing as an Indoor Tanning Assciation. Apparently there is a need for manufacturers and distributors of tanning beds to band together against the powerful threat posed by "dermatologists and the sun scare industry." They are trying to frighten Americans!

"While partisan bloggers and the sun scare industry will use this as an opportunity to undermine Gov. Palin and demonize the indoor tanning industry, the fact is that Governor Palin’s decision to get UV light from a tanning bed positively impacts her health.

“Moderate amounts of indoor tanning allow Governor Palin to experience the many health benefits that come with exposure to UV light,” said Dan Humiston, President of the Indoor Tanning Association. “Especially in dreary northern locations like Alaska, indoor tanning can help guard against wintertime depression and ward off diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency.”

“Kudos to Governor Palin for standing up to dermatologists and other members of the sun scare industry who are trying to frighten Americans away from UV light.”

Yeah! Here in America, Americans have the right to not be afraid of machine-generated ultraviolet rays. And those who would seek to scare Americans away from the penetrating beams of our giant radiation-coffins can pack their sunscreen and aloe gel and go back to Russia! Better red than dead!

I would guess that tanning beds cater more to Americans' vanity than to their vitamin D health. But whether in politics or business (or in this case both), demonizing your opponents is your last resort when logical arguments get, um, burned.