Tobacco payout isn't combating smoking

San Diego Union - Tribune ^ | 3/26/06 | Alex Roth

[-YYZ-]

“The money wasn't meant for cities and counties to do anything they wanted,”

Yes, actually, it was. It was intended to compensate for money they had spent on health care for smokers, which most likely came out of general revenues, so why shouldn't it go back there? And if the governments in question choose to treat it as new money and piss it away on frivolous projects, what's new about that?

That's not to say the whole lawsuit and settlement wasn't pretty bogus to start with, but it's a done deal and I believe what I've said is correct.

[Bogey]

I hope I live long enough for the truth to come out.
However, I'm not optimistic.

Boycott the ACS indeed.

[SheLion]

You wouldn't happen to have a list of what the tobacco $$$ has gone to, would ya?

Each state has their own pet programs so no, sorry, I don't know how they spend the money.

I just know how Maine is spending the money and Mass using the money to build a $175,000 big ole Golf Course.

Most state are using the money to balance their budgets.  Nice, heh?!

[stone fortress]

Absolutely Correct!!!!!!!!!!!! Ping!!!!!!

[stone fortress]

Absolutely Correct!!!!!!!!!!!! Ping!!!!!!

[SheLion]

If you want on or off my Puff (ping) list, please FReep mail me.

[groanup]

The truth has got to get OUT there!!!!

Here's another dirty little secret: look around the city of San Diego (or any other burb that took tobacco money) and you'll see private sector lawyers who got in on the deal. I know one in Georgia, though he'd never admit it.

I was a smoker for years and didn't get a dime. The lawyer was politically connected and got tens of thousands.

You couldn't come up with a more evil, corrupt criminal enterprise if you were Mario Puzo writing Godfather XX.

[groanup]

Most of the states and municipalities that participated in this settlement now have a vested interest in making sure the tobacco companies survive and thrive.

That's because they have borrowed to the hilt against future payments from the companies. The whole deal was the greatest lie and manipulation ever foisted upon a stupid, witless public.

[hosepipe]

Pure extortion.. a scam by lawyers.. among many lawyerly scams..
The largest lawyerly scam on record!.. the federal government..

There should be a law making it ILLEGAL for lawyers to hold office..
Call it conflict of interest.. as pure a conflict of interest as was ever invented..

Lawyers making laws to be lawyerly about.. DuuuuH..
Its like accountants allowing you some of your paycheck to spend.. the rest they keep..

Its a very parasitic world we live in.. and the hosts are oblivious.. paralyzed.