Tobacco Articles: org mo

Pacific Legal Foundation

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Pacific Legal Foundation is a Sacramento, California-based legal organization that was established March 5, 1973 [1] to support pro-business causes. In recent years, it has taken a lead in pursuing anti-affirmative action policies. It is the key right-wing public interest litigation firm in a network of similar organizations funded initially by Scaife Foundations money across the USA to support capitalism and oppose environmental and health activism and government regulation. The organization has been [2] partially funded by a range of corporations and conservative foundations. . . . PLF is listed as a "key third party ally" in a September 14, 1999 Philip Morris document.[4] In 1989, Philip Morris began funding the organization through its Mission Viejo (gated-community land-development company) subsidiary, mainly because the organisation was active in the property rights area and had won cases limiting the States' ability to expropriate or regulate private property. The Mission Viejo subsidiary was interested in fighting a no-growth initiative which had been blocking some of their development projects. At this stage Philip Morris only gave an annual grant of $5,000 each year, just to keep the organisation on side and available, but it may have also funded specific legal projects. By 1991 the PLF had a major budget crisis. It was in deficit to the tune of about $1 million, which was about a quarter of its $4 million annual requirements. Not long after, Roy Marden, the Philip Morris executive in charge of maintaining relations with the right-wing think tanks and advocacy institutes, joined the PLF board. Overnight the funding increased substantially to $10,000, and then $22,000 by 1993. Philip Morris also began to utilize the PLF to undertake hidden media and political activities on its behalf. For instance, it enlisted the organization (together with think-tanks like the Reason Foundation, Hoover Institute, Heritage Foundation and Claremont Institute) to write op-ed pieces that were planted in newspapers attacking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its determination that Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) was a carcinogen and its attempt to regulate Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). (See page 4 of this planning document.[5]) At this time Philip Morris was also heavily funded two of PLF's unacknowledged offspring, the National Legal Center for the Public Interest and the Atlantic Legal Foundation. The Washington Legal Foundation was another of a similar kind favoured and funded ($200,000) by Philip Morris, but it was independent of the Scaife-funded, PLF-based network. [6] The PLF also intervened successful in Keller v. California State Bar, where it established a legal precedent that California lawyers could challenge the use of their dues to the state bar for political purposes. This was an successful attempt to block collective actions by the more liberal Californian lawyers who were involving themselves in such policy areas as class-actions and product liability. . . . In 1997-1998 the PLF joined forces with the $10 million funded (by Philip Morris) National Smokers Alliance, in a fierce and vindictive legal attack on Professor Stanton Arnold Glantz, a leader of California's main anti-smoking organization, Americans for Nonsmokers Rights[7] and attempted to brand him in the public mind as having something to hide ... a destroyer of legal document (a ruse the tobacco industry used itself on a massive scale). Glantz had received documents from the early tobacco industry whistleblowers, and he had established the first public-access Internet web site revealing how the industry operated.

LETTER: Tawdry anaylsis

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The toughest part of responding to Hung Vu’s column (“Lighting Up,” March 16) is knowing where to begin. Vu proves to be a difficult writer to endure grammatically and a master of logical non sequitur. Even less impressively, his simplistic attack on President John T. Casteen, III reveals a glaring ignorance of political history and corporate governance. Perhaps worst of all, Vu takes it upon himself to ascribe motive to Casteen’s decisions, and he cannot manage to do it respectfully or with any trace of humility. . . . It might also be a good idea for Vu to read something about what a corporate board does. A small amount of education could go a long way toward explaining what a company with over $16 billion in revenue does other than exploit children with cigarette ads (hint: it includes providing jobs and health care to employees, financial return to investors and, in 2008, over $48 million in charitable giving). . . . Vu manages to flail around wildly in his last few paragraphs, simultaneously dismissing and embracing fundamental attribution error, equating “Jeffersonian ideals” with hypocrisy, and, cheaply, summing it all up by deciding that one explanation exists outside the realm of Vu omniscience: “the decision was just Casteen being Casteen.” How enlightening. Vu worries about broad-brush geography-based “stigmas.” Maybe he should first consider the “Vu being Vu” stigma that he now bears so prominently — the combination of poor journalism, tawdry reasoning, and unfounded invective.

VU: Lighting up: Casteen’s decision to join Altria reinforces typical stereotypes in Virginia

h.vu@cavalierdaily.com (Hung Vu, Cavalier Daily Columnist ) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Besides the health risks involved with smoking and the unethical targeting of underage children, Casteen’s decision to join Altria is ill-advised because it is also deleterious to Virginia’s history, particularly that of the University and the Charlottesville-Albemarle community. Virginia has been progressive in the past few years to a point where we have almost shattered the “southern” stereotype. . . . When I took social psychology last semester, one of the key points we learned about was the fundamental attribution error. People make this error when they assume that the actions of a person are a result of that person’s character rather than the circumstances of the situation. The fundamental attribution error applies in many cases. On the other hand, if every action was a result of the circumstance, then there would be no need for personality psychology. Casteen has no situational excuse for the position he put himself into by joining Altria. He is fully aware of the public perception, did not need the money and could not possibly already be bored of the retired life since he is still employed. Maybe the decision was just Casteen being Casteen.

VU: Lighting up: Casteen’s decision to join Altria reinforces typical stereotypes in Virginia

h.vu@cavalierdaily.com (Hung Vu, Cavalier Daily Columnist ) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Surprising Lives of Famous Pitchmen: The Marlboro Men: The life of a cowboy is roping cattle, quiet solitude, and suing your former employer.

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

That was the notion dreamt up by ad exec Leo Burnett in 1954. The Don Draper of his day, Burnett devised the mascots for Green Giant (GIS), Froot Loops (K), 9Lives (DLM), and 7 Up (PEP), among many others. Employed by Philip Morris -- rebranded as Altria (MO) in 2003 -- to inject new life into Marlboro, Burnett transformed the brand's female-targeted slogan "Mild as May" into something more substantial and electrifying. Burnett was inspired by a spread in a 1949 issue of Life magazine focused on a ranch foreman by the name of C.H. Long. Weathered purveyor of such pithy summations of masculinity like "If it weren't for a good horse, a woman would be the sweetest thing in the world," Long exemplified Burnett's new direction and cash cow for Philip Morris: the Marlboro Man. . . . Wayne McLaren, David McLean, and Dick Hammer -- three actors who appeared in the Marlboro Man ads -- were diagnosed with lung cancer and each eventually succumbed to the disease. After McLaren learned he had cancer, he became a renegade . . . As awareness of the dangers of smoking grew and cigarette ads were banned from the television airwaves, the Marlboro Man was relegated to print and billboard ads, eventually fading from public view. The high-profile deaths of three pitchmen hired to promote cigarettes prevented legitimate glorification of the Marlboro Man -- an irony too poignant to be ignored.

Ray to Big Tobacco States ‘will prevail’

mwilliams@davisclipper.com (Melinda Williams) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Big Tobacco is using lawsuits and intimidation to get the Utah Legislature to back away from legislation banning flavored smokeless tobacco products, Davis County legislator Paul Ray believes. Ray, R-Clinton, shared information on HB71 and the pressure the state is receiving to defeat the bill, during a press conference last week. Ray said that Altria, parent company of Philip Morris U.S.A. has threatened a lawsuit if the State Legislature passes HB71. “They say they will sue us if we pass the law. They’re saying we’re trying to regulate product standards and in doing that violating federal law.” Ray said there’s a similar law being considered right now in New York, “and I’m confident New York will prevail.” Should the tobacco companies have their way, “It would send an alarming message to the rest of the states,” Ray told reporters.

Resolution of RP-Thai cigarette case hits a snag

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Jose Antonio Buencamino told reporters at the sidelines of the turnover ceremony of the DTI reigns from Secretary Peter B. Favila to newly-appointed DTI Secretary Jesli A. Lapus that instead of end March deadline this would be moved to end April. "This is a fact intensive case so the WTO panel has requested for a one month extension from end March to end April this year by which to come out with its interim report," Buencamino said. Buencamino said that the one month delay is significant for the Philippines because the case has dragged on since August 2006 and the local cigarette exporter Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. has been posting a bond to enable them to sell in the Thai market.

GALLOWAY: An anti-tax ad with every pack of cigarettes

newstips@ajc.com (Jim Galloway | Political Insider) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

That Phillip Morris USA, the tobacco company, has had radio ads up this week to rally support against a cigarette tax hike being considered by state lawmakers should come as no surprise. But in a new wrinkle aimed at smokers, purchasers of cigarettes in many grocery stores throughout metro Atlanta are being handed a little political ad along with their receipts: That's not the end of the sales pitch. Note that the receipt itself separates out the excise as well as the sales tax on tobacco purchases. One doesn't generally think of a grocery store as a campaign medium in and of itself. You do wonder, though, whether a cigarette ad might clash with all the breast-cancer pink at Kroger.

WTO puts off Thailand-Philippines cigarette tax row verdict

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The World Trade Organization pushed back its verdict on the cigarette tax row between the Thailand and the Philippines. Trade assistant secretary Jose Antonio Buencamino told reporters on Monday said the panel formed by the WTO has sought a one-month extension on the release of its report on the issue. The verdict is now expected to be released by end-April. Buencamino said the panel sought for an extension to give it time to review the facts presented on the case. "It's a fact-intensive case," said Buencamino. . . . The case stemmed from Bangkok's decision to slap a bond on imports from Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc

Ruling on RP-Thai row moved to end of April

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

THE WORLD TRADE Organization (WTO) panel in charge of settling a long-standing cigarette tax dispute between the Philippines and Thailand has postponed the release of its preliminary ruling by a month, a Trade official yesterday said. The interim report will be issued by end-April instead of end-March as the panel needs more time to go over the arguments, Trade Assistant Secretary Jose Antonio S. Buencamino said. In the meantime, exporters -- particularly Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. (PMPMI) -- will have to bear with Thailand's allegedly unfair tax treatment of foreign-made cigarettes.

Ray to Big Tobacco States ‘will prevail’

mwilliams@davisclipper.com (Melinda Williams) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Submissions To US Unilateral IP Enforcement Process Highlight Piracy, Health, and ACTA

info@ip-watch.ch (Catherine Saez and Kaitlin Mara @ 5:11 pm) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Submissions to the United States annual review of how well it says the rest of the world is protecting US intellectual property are being assessed this week, with marked changes from previous years. In a process typically dominated by industry groups and the occasional stakeholding nonprofit, 2010 submissions not only included far more public interest groups but also a significant number of submissions from private citizens - primarily commenting on the tangentially-related Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement. . . . Every year the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) identifies countries it says are failing to provide effective protection of US IP rights or denying fair and equitable market access to US persons relying on IP protection. This is under a provision of Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act), commonly referred to as “Special 301.” USTR has a “watch list” and a “priority watch list” . . . Philip Morris said the increasing number of countries proposing to adopt plain packaging for cigarettes, or having heath warnings covering more than 50 percent of cigarette packaging is worrisome, as it might infringe trademark rights, and encourage “illicit trade in tobacco products.” The cigarette maker called for their IP rights to be protected and enforced in a number of countries, arguing that “these initiatives, which are not based on any solid scientific evidence that they contribute to legitimate public health objectives, would effectively constitute an expropriation of some of the world’s most valuable trademarks without the payment of adequate compensation to manufacturers.” . . . USTR’s final report is due in April.

Cigarettes ‘still being tested on lab animals’ : Animal testing is still carried out by major cigarette companies, it has been alleged.

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Mice and rats were forced to breathe smoke to examine the safety of new ingredients, the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection claimed. The studies were held by Marlboro-maker Philip Morris and Camel manufacturer RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, the group said. 'It is outrageous that, in this day and age, tobacco companies continue to subject animals to these horrific tests when we all know how harmful smoking is to our health,' said BUAV boss Michelle Thew. 'Smoking is a lifestyle choice and it's unacceptable animals should suffer and die for companies to modify their products.' Tests on animals involving tobacco have been banned in Britain since 1997 but the organisation said studies continued in Europe and the US.

10 Reasons You Should Buy This Stock Today

jmueller@fool.com (Jim Mueller) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

No. 10: One product Unlike conglomerates such as United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) with business interests spanning elevators to air conditioners to aircraft engines, Philip Morris focuses on one: tobacco. This keeps management's attention on growing the business without distractions. Altria, Philip Morris' former parent, used to be in the food business when it owned Kraft Foods, and it's still in the wine business. Not exactly core competencies. . . . While Philip Morris is not a Motley Fool Income Investor newsletter pick, it would not surprise me to see it become one. That's because it fits many of the criteria advisor James Early looks for – namely, a growing dividend, a commitment to pay it, and the financial stability to continue doing that.

Sorry. I don't care how much money it makes. I can't live with myself knowing that they are doing the best they can to promote cancer-and-emphysema in people who aren't smart enough to resist their temptation. Making money by killing people doesn't fit my value system. Dope dealers hook addicts with free samples. The cigarette companies do the same thing. If you could buy a profitable company selling dope, would you?

One reason you should not buy this stock-- 1. Money is not everything. Investing is about making money. There are plenty of ways of doing that without investing in this company.

When I'm not investing, I'm a hospice nurse. Please, don't invest in Phillip Morris.

Market Information

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Philip Morris USA has been in operation since 1847. Since 1983, PM USA has been the largest cigarette manufacturer in the United States. PM USA is focused on responsibly manufacturing and marketing its brands to adult tobacco consumers in a financially disciplined way. In 2008, PM USA's retail cigarette share grew 0.1 share point to 50.7 percent. U.S. cigarette industry volume declined about 4% in 2008. Nevertheless, the cigarette industry accounted for an estimated $70 billion in consumer expenditures in 2008 and had an estimated industry profit pool of $9 billion in pre-tax income. Our cigarette product portfolio is led by Marlboro. It is the number one cigarette brand in every state and the number one cigarette brand for men and women across all adult age groups. . . . 2008 U.S. Cigarette Industry Facts * Approximately 45 million adults in America smoked cigarettes * U.S. consumers spent an estimated $70 billion annually on cigarettes * We estimate that cigarette industry before-tax profits exceeded $9 billion