Lighting up for ALEC
As I've pointed out in past OPs, smoking simply does not support a Progressive or Democrats' platform of ideas.
I do not want to bemoan the health effects of smoking, most every smoker fully understands it's negative health effects, however due to the devastating effects of addiction, this alone is simply not enough to motivate one into making their quit successful.
Enter the tobacco lobby and their support of legislative control and candidates for office whom, by and large are GOP candidates and/or card carrying NeoConservatives.
Altria (formerly Phillip Morris) and Reynolds American have given tens of millions of dollars to primarily GOP candidates in the past ten or more years...
http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.php?ind=A02
Most recently these two industry leaders have been lobbying with a much larger, stronger partner, the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC.
Reynolds American is Private Enterprise Board member of the American Legislative Exchange Council, was a "President" level sponsor of 2011 ALEC Annual Conference, which in 2010, equated to $100,000, and among other things, sponsor of the "Cigar Reception" [2] and the "Leadership Dinner" speech of Arthur C. Brooks of the American Enterprise Institute at the 2011 ALEC Annual Conference. [3]
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Reynolds_American
Altria is a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Daniel Smith, Western Regional Director of Altria Client Services, represents Altria on the corporate ("Private Enterprise"
board as of 2011. [4] Toby Spangler, a lobbyist with Altria Client Services, represented the global corporation on ALEC's corporate board in 2011. [5] Brandie Davis, Director of U.S. Affairs for Philip Morris International, represents Philip Morris International as the Private Sector Chair of the International Relations Task Force as of August 2011. [6] Altria was a "Chairman" level sponsor of the 2011 ALEC Annual Conference [7]
($50,000 in 2010). [8] Altria was also a sponsor of the Louisiana Welcome Reception at the 2011 ALEC Annual Meeting. [9]
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Altria_Group
So maybe lately you've been thinking about a successful quit, however as I had many times before, only found excuses to not quit when the health effects were simply not motivating enough...
Here's an excellent motivating factor to help yourself to stop funding legislative action which goes against your political ideals and make a difference not only in your health, but in your country. Just think how empowering it will be knowing that you are making as much a difference in investing in your health as the individual who is phone banking or out canvassing, or take up all THREE to keep you occupied, and NOW we're getting somewhere...! Also imagine the financial ability you'll have paired with the aforementioned, you'll be an unstoppable force and an asset to any local, state or national campaign.
In 2012 you can actually create 'Change You Can Believe In' ...in YOURSELF and your nation that is tangible that you have the ability to affect!
To everyone who is currently underway, KUDOS! I'm following in your well-placed footsteps, thank you for the encouragement and support...
Signed, -Former smoker of 74 days...
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I found that cinnamon gum helps a lot!
