Judge asks some questions about antismoking group's strategy

Minneapolis Star Tribune ^ | May 18, 2002 | David Phelps

[sarcasm]

The future of the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco (MPAAT) remained uncertain Friday after Ramsey County District Judge Michael Fetsch questioned the nonprofit organization about its antismoking programs.

However, he did not indicate how or when he might rule on a motion by Attorney General Mike Hatch to strip MPAAT of $202 million in tobacco settlement funds on the grounds that it has failed to fulfill a court-ordered mandate to help smokers quit.

[Free the USA]

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[3catsanadog]

So say all smokers in the US quit smoking. What vice will Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco (MPAAT) take on next so that its members can get money for doing nothing?

I'm amazed at the number of foundations and non-profit special interest groups exploding on the American scene. This is the latest scheme to make a quick buck. 90% of the work they do is to hold fundraisers.

[Great Dane]

Isn't this the first time anyone have dared to ask these people where the money went....... it's about time, it should be done more often.

They should also be asked what their salaries are.

[Max McGarrity]

And sadly, even the organizations we DO know have misused their funds in this great lifestyle battle. The American Cancer Society, for instance, which gets not only tax exemptions from the IRS and donations from those who believe they are helping others, but also taxpayer dollars, uses less than 16% of the money for research and care. The rest is spent on outrageous administrative expenses, massive anti-smoker programs, obscene salaries, and other non-related programs.