This, of course is the raw truth. It's a classic tactic for regulated industries to fight regulation by convincing lawmakers and regulating agencies that this particular or that particular jurisdiction is the inappropriate level for regulating.
Anti-regulation types will fight cities by saying it's a state issue and tell the state it's a federal issue, in both cases saying that hundreds of different regulations makes it impossible for them to comply and that it simply - and artificially - raises the cost of doing business in multiple markets. That is, until it gets closer to passage. Then they'll work the other side of the street, suggesting that the issue is a local one, that the state or the feds have business telling cities or states how to deal with what essentially affects local jurisdictions. This is playing the classic battle between federal standards and states' rights at the more local level. Besides funneling much money out of foundations and groups to fight these issues, so do they try to neutralize opposition to their poisons by funding nonprofits and projects that theoretically deal with the health ramifications of using their products. When the admonishment goes out to "just say no," those organizations tempted to take the money and run should have the gumption to do just that. Meanwhile, let the Twin Cities, which comprise about 40% of the state's population, set the standard for the state and other cities and suburbs to follow. Tobacco companies have proven that under no circumstances anytime anywhere are they to be trusted. No grant is worth it. They are Mephistopheles to organizational Fausts in desperate need of funds. Andy Driscoll Crocus Hill/Ward 2 ------ on 5/22/04 12:00 PM, Rob Fulton wrote: > Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 17:54:04 -0500 > From: > > We need to be very careful of the pitch that this should be a state-wide > ban. The same folks who are against a local ban also worked to stop the > state-wide effort. Some even said, this should be a local effort. Also, > folks should be looking for how the organizations that are against the ban > receive their funding. The tobacco industry has more foundations and groups > that funnel money out than you can imagine. > > Rob Fulton, > Highland Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
