NYT: Judge Queries U.S. Decision to Slash Penalty for Tobacco Firms

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/business/AP-Tobacco-Trial.html?ei=5094&en=c0de4589ff4bd483&hp=&ex=1118289600&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print

A federal judge on Wednesday questioned what was behind the government's decision to dramatically reduce the proposed size of a nationwide stop-smoking program, one of the penalties recommended in a racketeering suit against cigarette makers.

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

The Justice Department called the $10 billion program an ''initial request'' that could be expanded. But Kessler said Wednesday, ''There may be some additional influences being brought to bear'' on the government's decision.

Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Martin Meehan, D-Mass., sent a letter Wednesday to Justice Department Inspector General Glenn A. Fine asking him to assess whether ''improper political interference'' factored in the decision to ask for a smaller program.

''The Justice Department's approach to tobacco litigation should be based on the facts of the case and not political favors to the tobacco industry,'' the congressmen wrote. ''It is highly unusual for government prosecutors to abandon evidence-based testimony by their key witnesses at the last moment in a major trial.''

[Mojambo]

1. It's simple

The Justice Department is fluffing corporations for the Bush Administration again.

[Iowa]

2. Corruption - pure and simple...

Another multi-billion dollar gift from the Bush administration to their corporate handlers. The pillaging of America continues.

[Moderator]

3. duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1531376