Saturday, March 06, 2010

Big Tobacco Wants You To Thank Governor Herbert

You'd think that with a legislature that is predominantly LDS, a religion whose scriptures say "And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man," that big tobacco would have a horrible time in the legislature.

But, big tobacco has big money. And some of that money flows into the coffers of our legislators. And the pockets of lobbyists. Lobbyists like former house speaker Greg Curtis.

Amazingly, the legislature managed to pass HB 196, which increases taxes on cigarettes. However, Governor Herbert has said he plans on vetoing a tobacco tax increase. Well, that was before he said that he'd sign it, which was before he said he wasn't sure what he'd do. Leadership -- not his strong suit.

And, at least one group wants him to veto it:


(click to enlarge. Page found here.)

Look in the top right-hand corner. "Provided by Altria Client Services." Who is Altria you ask? Well, they are the parent company of Phillip Morris, whose cigarette brands include Marlboro, Alpine, Basic, Benson & Hedges, Bristol, Cambridge, Chesterfield, Commander, Dave's, English Ovals, Lark, L&M, Merit, Parliament, Players, Saratoga and Virginia Slims. In other words, Pillip Morris put the big in big tobacco.

And you thought the Legislature only did the bidding of the Church.....

-Bob

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maybe the LDS legislators believe more in personal responsibility than they do it forcing their religion down other's throats.

Bob said...

hahahahahahahaha. Thanks for the laugh. This is the Utah Legislature, remember. That body that often tries to out-church The Church.

Actually, if this was a religious issue, they would just ban it outright.

-Bob