Posted on 08/15/2006 9:18:09 AM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
NEW YORK - Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a billionaire and former smoker, announced Tuesday he is throwing $125 million of his own money into a new anti-smoking campaign targeting tobacco worldwide.
Bloomberg gives millions each year to benefit medical research, arts and education, but he typically doesn't announce he is doing so.
On Tuesday, he made an exception and released a statement about the anti-smoking campaign, which he described as "a social investment."
"It's based on my experience that with better data, more focused public health interventions and heightened political advocacy, governments will enact policies that have huge health, social and economic benefits," Bloomberg said.
The $125 million will go to existing organizations over two years to implement anti-smoking measures.
It will include cash for programs that help smokers quit and educate children to prevent them from starting; funds to push for smoking bans and higher tobacco taxes in other cities, states and countries; and money for a system to track global tobacco use and the effectiveness of anti-smoking efforts.
The campaign mirrors what the Republican mayor already started in New York, where he banned smoking in bars and restaurants and has the health department running an aggressive program focused on helping smokers quit. Nearly 1.2 million New Yorkers smoke, and health officials have given out thousands of free nicotine patches.
Now that Bloomberg is in his last term and still enjoying sky-high approval numbers, every word he utters and move he makes outside city limits stirs speculation about his future plans. He has said repeatedly he will not run for president and plans to concentrate on full time philanthropy when he leaves City Hall in 2009.
Bloomberg built his wealth from the financial information company he founded, Bloomberg L.P., but stepped down as CEO when he first ran for mayor. His fortune is estimated at $5.1 billion, making him the 40th richest American and the 112th wealthiest person in the world, according to Forbes magazine.
It's his money. He can throw it down any rathole he wishes.
Ping!
Bloominidiot is at it again.
BUMP
Gun grabbing idiot.
So, anyone think he's NOT going to run for President?
When is this idiot going to face another election year?
And if he's successful? What other industry selling a legal, taxed product to adults gets the tax hike to make up the loss of revenue to New Yawk? ;)
I know, but it would have been nice to give that money to entrepreneurs who need start-up funds or something.
Smokers leave New York. Let's see how they like the loss of your tax income.
Why do people with money always try to remake the world in their own image?
At least it's not taxpayer money. It's his to spend on whatever inanity he so choses.
What other industry produces a legal, taxed product that, when used correctly, kills its customers a majority of the time? What kind of crazy business model is that?
My first thought was how nice it would be if Bloomie were to put this in a support fund for the troops, their families and dependants for emergency and scholarship money.
I was an Army brat and I know firsthand how tough it can be on military pay.
Because they can.
His odds of becoming President are close to zero, unless he wants to run with a (D) behind his name.
Someday the idea that "educating" people causes them to change their self destructive behavior will be seen for what it is: bullsh*t.
Here's the problem:
"...governments will enact policies that have huge health, social and economic benefits,"
You'll find them in your rathole soon enough.
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