Map of life expectancy at birth from Global Education Project.

Thursday, June 23, 2005

From the American Public Health Association

And as long as we're discussing the culture of life, let's not forget this:

In September 1999, the federal government filed a landmark lawsuit against cigarette companies that seeks to hold them legally accountable for years of illegal and harmful practices including withholding the health risk of smoking and marketing to children. The trial began on September 21, 2004 and has lasted until June 9, 2005.

In this lawsuit the government requested that the judge impose several remedies including a recommended 25-year, $130 billion program to help smokers quit. Astonishingly, during the government’s final argument, they requested only a 5-year, $10 billion program.


APHA believes that this change is offensive and places the financial interests of the industry above fighting this nation’s leading cause of death.


Judge Kessler has given the government a deadline of June 25, 2005 to submit a proposed remedies order which will detail all of the remedies it is seeking.

Action Needed

Click on the link below to send a letter to President George W. Bush and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales urging them to insist on the strong remedies recommended by their own expert witness, including fundamental reform of the industry’s harmful marketing practices; the establishment of a well funded, sustained, nationwide prgram to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit; and impose financial penalties against tobacco companies should they continue these practices.


Take Action Now!

APHA action link

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