Did anyone hear that cigarette fines had been rescinded

[rurallib]

by Bushco? Thought I heard that on DemocracyNow yesterday, but wasn't paying full attention.

[Rick Myers]

1. $120 Billion!!!!

All that for a couple chump change campaign donations!

The United States of America, Inc.

[eleny]

2. I heard something yesterday

Something aobut the fines being greatly reduced. What's next - a full pardon?

[spanone]

3. Yea, about 120 BILLION Dollar thank you to the Tobacco Industry

Can you say 'Campaign Contributions'

~snip~The judge in a trial against leading tobacco companies, as well as lawmakers, question what was behind the government's decision to dramatically reduce the proposed size of a nationwide stop-smoking program being sought as a penalty in the case.

The government asked U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler to require the companies to fund a $10 billion, five-year program, a fraction of the $130 billion, 25-year program suggested by government witness Michael C. Fiore, a University of Wisconsin medical professor.~snip~

Now wasn't that nice of those mean old prosecutors. Must have felt sorry for the big ole Tobacco Companies.sarcasm:

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Tobacco-Trial.html?: