Topic: National News
While Bush may be in the back pocket of the oil companies, no one can try and say that he's backed by Big Tobacco. After scoring a $280 billion judgment against the tobacco companies after nine months of litigation, the Bush administration tried to close on the monies now, probably to help alleviate hurricane and war payments. But the courts said "no sir" and shot down this attempt. Why exactly? We haven't read that far ahead. Something involving RICO laws and racketeering or something like that. Hang on... okay here it is:
The Supreme Court is already hearing a case involving the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and whether the law can be used against anti-abortion protesters. The law, aimed primarily at fighting mobsters, has both criminal and civil provisions.
The $280 billion is the most ever sought in a civil racketeering trial. The government has described that as an estimate of money that companies including Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds earned illegally through fraudulent activities.
There's a lot more, and our NyQuil has kicked in, so you can read it yourself. Hurry! Before the fairies come in and steal your lamb chops! What?
MSNBC
Posted by James
at 2:18 PM CDT