What is the MSA?
The pact the tobacco companies signed with the government to reimburse it for years of sick smokers - the catch is not a single penny has come from any tobacco company. The $200+ 25 year agreement is paid 100% by smokers with a 45cent per pack "tax" -
So when you hear talk abut the tobacco industry settlement and paying the government remember, only smokers are paying for it.
Gabz explained it well. Basically, the $500/hr “evil” big tobacco company lawyers were brilliant and took advantage of the greedy state attorney generals. They cut them in as partners. Gubmint makes more money off cigs than the companies who make them. Billions.
The states used the money and collateralized it in tobacco bond offerings to plug budget deficits.
Gabz best friend Dr. Siegel had a post about it today.
http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/2012/11/campaign-for-tobacco-free-kids-boasts.html?m=1
The whole thing is so seedy you are better off not knowing what is going on. It will only piss you off.