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by DC
on Sat Jul 29, 2006 9:23 pm |
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Last week, RJR reported not only big earnings but also that they were dedicating $40 million toward fighting bans. PM, supposedy. has also entered the fight and other companies also are rumored to be putting substantial funds into the fight.
While the banners are browning their britches, it is only a drop in the bucket compared to the hundreds of millions RWJF and other big pharma fronts have poured into state and local groups and politicians to promote the enactment of bans for the sole reason of selling their smoking cessation products. I say [freak] the banners and their elitist, controlling mindsets. Maybe, the new infusion of tobacco money will meld with contributions from beverage companies, restaurant associations and others to finally turn this trend around.
Only thing that pisses me off is that they are coming in now that we are trailing, there's three minutes left in the game and we are backed up against our own goal line on a second down. Maybe they were limited by MSA , perceived litigation problems or a strategy I have no knowledge of.
At any rate, I am thankful that they are finally coming to the defense of their customers and their rights. Maybe the tide is turning.
About [freakin'] time! |
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DC
Smokers Rights Activist
Joined: Apr 04, 2005
Posts: 820
Location: MD
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by Gabz
on Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:46 am |
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DC,
I can see RJR fighting, but not PM. PM long ago sold out to the antis, including right here in there own home of VA.
They cut a deal with then-Gov Mark Warner about tax increases. They wouldn't oppose the increase from 25cents per carton to $3 per carton if he supported their efforts to get legislation passed the force the little companies, that had nothing to do with the MSA, to pay into the MSA. Warner got his increase, PM got the wish and the smokers of VA were screwed once again by PM.
And they would NOT fight the ban that was defeated in the House of Delegates this past session.
Leopards don't change their spots, and PM will not lift a finger to assist their customers. They are in bed with the antis and have been for quite some time. When we were fighting the ban in Delaware 2001/2002 one PM lobbyist looked me straight in the eye and said "I shouldn't even be talking to you, Gabz." in reference to what a group of us were doing. And this is a man I had known at that time for close to 20 years.
If you get the idea I despise PM, you're on the right track, I do. |
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Gabz
Enthusiastic Smoker
Joined: Jul 28, 2006
Posts: 318
Location: Eastern Shore, VA
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by ericblair2084
on Sun Jul 30, 2006 4:19 pm |
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My guess is that the tobacco companies know they can't win in CA, NY, MA or other liberal states no matter how hard they try.
This whole argument as we all know has nothing to do with public health and everything to do with money and power.
Hopefully, the greedy (and I use that term affectinately because as Gordon Gecko said in Wall Street "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.") Tobacco companies are just playing rope-a-dope.
Wait for the health fascist to punch until they are too tired and then come out swinging after they are too tired.
Who knows? |
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ericblair2084
Enthusiastic Smoker
Joined: Mar 19, 2006
Posts: 714
Location: Exit 13/Sulfur Dioxide, Toxic Waste, Superfund, Landfill, $5 Billion in debt, Socialist, NJ
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by Colin
on Sun Jul 30, 2006 4:42 pm |
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I'm in the "about [freakin] time" camp too.
How can a manufacturer of a product completely ignore their customer base in such a cavalier fashion?
$40 million is a start.
Keep it coming, Big T, you owe us.
Cant wait to hear the anti smoking twats squeal. |
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Colin
Smoker
Joined: Jul 03, 2006
Posts: 158
Location: Banff, Scotland
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by JEEP_GOD
on Sun Jul 30, 2006 5:32 pm |
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Colin wrote:
"Cant wait to hear the anti smoking twats squeal."
You and me both, my friend. That sound will be OH SO refreshing,and music to my ears.
(insert evil laugh here) |
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JEEP_GOD
Smoking Lobby Sponsor
Joined: Jul 08, 2006
Posts: 1002
Location: Welcome to camp smoke free!!!
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by DC
on Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:06 pm |
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Colin:
My apologies! In the rush of things I didn't welcome you to the board. And I am particularly sorry because you dwell in the land of my ancestors who also rebelled against outrageous government control of personal lives. At any rate, please accept my belated welcome.
It sounds like you guys have a strong movement going. It may well serve as the lead to overturn things on our side of the Atlantic. Unfortunately, we were blindsided by the banner trend and when tobacco funds deserted us in the late 90s, we were left with 50 small state organizations fighting the big pharma organization on their own without any central coordination. However, it seems that with your smaller territorial area, you have an advantage of restaurant/pub owners being in closer communication. Hopefully, that will give you an advantage and set a precedent for us to follow.
The best be with you and I look forward to seeing the posts of your progress. |
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DC
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Joined: Apr 04, 2005
Posts: 820
Location: MD
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by tnsmoker
on Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:21 pm |
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tnsmoker
Enthusiastic Smoker
Joined: Mar 22, 2006
Posts: 237
Location: The (former) VOLUNTEER state of Tennessee!
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