BT Buys Senators?

[TropicalBob]

It's not just Big Pharma that likes to spread cash around. Look who Big tobacco bought with its bucks. There's a link at the bottom to the full list of senators getting Big tobacco contributions. Note Barack Obama got $40,000+ when he was a senator.

It's good to be a senator.

Interesting take, though, and Big tobacco's investment was paid back with the "no" votes of its biggest campaign contribution recipients.

t r u t h o u t | Senators Who Opposed Tobacco Bill Received Top Dollar From Industry

 

[nitewriter]

Wow TB! The more I learn, the more this whole thing just amazes me.

I find myself asking the same question over and over. ...Whatever happened to "for the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE?

 

[Spikey]

I guess it makes sense they wouldn't donate to someone who was already a yes LOL! We are not setting meetings with Legislators who we think will vote against the ban. Waste of time.

 

[Sun Vaporer]

TB--some things never change---and this is one of them--thanks for the post.


Sun

 

[TropicalBob]

It's so widespread. We had those posts not long ago about Big Pharma's contributions to anti-tobacco Sen. Frank Lautenberg. Now we get the tie with Big Tobacco for others.

Bottom line: We have the best government money can buy.

 

[Surf Monkey]

Bottom line: We have the best government money can buy.

You and I are both old enough to know that that's nothing new.

 

[MonkeyMonk]

TB you have got to come out of retirement and get the real story about all of this out there in the public eye. If you use your own posts how fast can you and an editor put together a book? Or a very long news article for a mainstream magazine.

I like the concept of a book best because you have the knowledge and skills to make a best seller....

Please, TB, consider coming out of retirement to get the real story out there...

 

[Surf Monkey]

Maybe you should write up an article, Monkey. Or anyone here who feels comfortable writing. Hell, maybe I'll do it...

 

[MonkeyMonk]

Surf Monkey, my skills are a far cry from what is needed. TB is a renouned retired newspaper man with impecable research skills and a mind like an encyclopedia... With a good editor he could compile his 4,000+ posts in just a week or two and create a best seller that could greatly assist our cause. Especially, if he were to have Lacey do a homeopathic appendix.

 

[TropicalBob]

MonkeyMonk, I do appreciate the obvious vote of confidence.

Many months ago, I did wonder if a book on e-smoking could sell sufficiently to interest a publisher. I have a huge computer folder of information from valuable sources that I've saved just in case I need references for facts.

Side note: The publishing world, like the newspaper one, is upside down in disaster. First authors have almost no chance of being published today; many wannabe writers are "self-publishing", in limited hardcover editions or via the Internet and Kindle. We used to call this "vanity publishing," where the old dude's autobiography was printed in book form and given to anyone who wanted or would accept a copy. Fortunately, I've authored two previously published books, so at least I have a track record. If I were a newbie, my inquiry wouldn't even be answered with anything beyond a "thank you" form letter.

And I did more than laugh when Kate posted her mockup of "Dummies Guide to Electronic Cigarettes." I had been considering just such a book. At that time, the idea seemed feasible. Today, we must wait the FDA final decision on whether any e-smoking imports will be allowed. If the ban is total, the book idea is toast.

There is a book on the market called ".... Out!" which reveals how Philip Morris twisted good intentions into a bill with bad possibilities. So that's been done.

And telling the entire story of e-smoking would involve a trip to China, I think. Not in my travel plans anytime soon ...

I promise not to forget what you suggested. I'm just watching, and waiting.

 

[Computer Extreme]

Evidently the "cost of freedom" in the USA is liberty....

 

[MonkeyMonk]

MonkeyMonk, I do appreciate the obvious vote of confidence.

Many months ago, I did wonder if a book on e-smoking could sell sufficiently to interest a publisher. I have a huge computer folder of information from valuable sources that I've saved just in case I need references for facts.

Side note: The publishing world, like the newspaper one, is upside down in disaster. First authors have almost no chance of being published today; many wannabe writers are "self-publishing", in limited hardcover editions or via the Internet and Kindle. We used to call this "vanity publishing," where the old dude's autobiography was printed in book form and given to anyone who wanted or would accept a copy. Fortunately, I've authored two previously published books, so at least I have a track record. If I were a newbie, my inquiry wouldn't even be answered with anything beyond a "thank you" form letter.

And I did more than laugh when Kate posted her mockup of "Dummies Guide to Electronic Cigarettes." I had been considering just such a book. At that time, the idea seemed feasible. Today, we must wait the FDA final decision on whether any e-smoking imports will be allowed. If the ban is total, the book idea is toast.

There is a book on the market called ".... Out!" which reveals how Philip Morris twisted good intentions into a bill with bad possibilities. So that's been done.

And telling the entire story of e-smoking would involve a trip to China, I think. Not in my travel plans anytime soon ...

I promise not to forget what you suggested. I'm just watching, and waiting.

When you publish one, I want a first edition autographed copy.
(BTW. I'm willing to be a proof-reader any time. I love the way you write!!! And, note, I said when, not if.)

 

[NY JETS]

I think if there is a full-out ban then that would be your green light. A Dummy's Guide would sell a bunch of copies, but an investigative piece uncovering the true reason they were banned sounds like a Michael Moore film.

 

[Willowsong]

*sigh* The truth is, what e-cigs needs is some really good viral marketing and a following on internet social sites. Grass roots campaigning to create a stir to kick up some truth in reporting. I've started compiling information, but it's truly a beast. Kate helped point me in the right direction, but I'm sure I'm missing a lot.

 

[silverfox]

Im glad that these politicians are opposed to giving power to the FDA, I dont think the FDA needs more power...not real thrilled about the payoffs to do it, tho...

 

[Surf Monkey]

*sigh* The truth is, what e-cigs needs is some really good viral marketing and a following on internet social sites. Grass roots campaigning to create a stir to kick up some truth in reporting. I've started compiling information, but it's truly a beast. Kate helped point me in the right direction, but I'm sure I'm missing a lot.

As I'm sure you know, there are many Facebook groups for e-cigarettes. That's a start...

 

[Willowsong]

As I'm sure you know, there are many Facebook groups for e-cigarettes. That's a start...

Sort of. We need factual, clear cut information and popular opinion, filled with chosen buzz words, replicated across several different places. All of it should point somewhere - with an option to read more sourced facts ...

Then you start submitting PR's... etc etc. It's a process. I'm hoping that ECA is doing some of it.

 

[Spikey]

Sort of. We need factual, clear cut information and popular opinion, filled with chosen buzz words, replicated across several different places. All of it should point somewhere - with an option to read more sourced facts ...

Then you start submitting PR's... etc etc. It's a process. I'm hoping that ECA is doing some of it.

www.VapersClub.com is working on a press kit based on factual information and linked from our website... available for anyone to use. I will post when it is up and available to send to news stations and radio.

 

[Willowsong]

www.VapersClub.com is working on a press kit based on factual information and linked from our website... available for anyone to use. I will post when it is up and available to send to news stations and radio.

Let me know if you want some help with that. I'd be more than glad to volunteer.