[Conagher]

Let's see, compensatory damages are tax-exempt, but punitive damages are lumped in with income, so that would put him in the Bill Gates tax bracket. I don't have my tax table handy -- anyone know what the percentage is for someone who makes $28,000,000,000?

[Judith Anne]

"Punitive damages are supposed to sting, but not put them out of business," said Fogel. "It's a factor that courts consider."

Now this torques my ticker. Not put them out of business? What kind of hypocrisy is this?

I'll tell you: it's the kind of hypocrisy that wants people to keep smoking so it can keep the money flowing. Smokenazis are not only hypocrites, they're thieves. They didn't make a dime of that money they're stealing through the liberal courts, which encourage them. And they for sure don't want that money gone. Smoking is a choice. It isn't an addiction. Yes, it's hard to break a habit. No, it's not impossible. If someone has a physical problem from smoking and they don't quit, they have mental problems. Rewarding people like that and the lawyers they rode in on is an encouragement to be powerless, weak, and stupid, expecting someone else to pay for it. Welfare for lawyers, in addition.