THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Michael Bloomberg has committed $220 million over the next four years to fighting tobacco use across the world.
The billionaire mayor of New York, who previously introduced a ban on outdoor smoking in his own city, will provide the money for causes including legal challenges against the tobacco industry in other countries.
Announcing the move Mr Bloomberg called tobacco "a scourge all over the world" and accused cigarette makers of "nefarious activities."
He said his charitable foundation will focus on low and moderate income countries where nearly 80 per cent of smokers live, including Russia, China, India, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
Mr Bloomberg, who is attending the 15th World Conference on Tobacco or Health in Singapore, said his charity will monitor the tobacco industry's strategies and offer legal support to counter its pushback against antismoking campaigns. Read on and comment » | Nick Allen | Los Angeles | Thursday, March 22, 2012
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Budget 2012: Tobacco tax 'boosts smugglers' – Tobacco companies said criminals were last night handed a giant windfall after the Government hoisted duty on cigarettes by 5pc above inflation. » | Nathalie Thomas | Thursday, March 22, 2012
My comment:
The meddlesome mayor of New York is at it again!
Bloomberg is an ex-chain-smoker. There are none worse that the converted. He gave up, so he wants the rest of the world to give up too. One thing is for sure: he doesn't believe in consumer choice.
Having said all that, I should like to make it clear that I certainly do not condone children smoking (as shown in the photo). In fact, I find it repulsive.
But these countries listed above have governments of their own to deal with this problem. And one can't but ask oneself one simple but important question: Isn't there a cause closer to home for Bloomberg to meddle in? Why doesn't he try and tackle the poverty in the States, caused by the serious economic downturn? Many people are going to bed hungry in America. Do something about that, Mr. Bloomberg!
Further, this article does not make clear whether Bloomberg is spending his own money, or taxpayers'.
Regarding Bloomberg being an ex-chain-smoker, it is interesting to note that Google has been cleansed of any reference to this fact. Who paid whom here, I wonder? – © Mark
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