Horse 1206 - Philip Morris Threatens to Hold the Australian People to Ransom

Prize cancer and death merchants Philip Morris have threatened to take the Australian Government to court for damages if it suffers a loss of business as a result of the introduction of plain packaging of cigarettes. Now whilst I tend to agree with the argument that they will suffer a loss of business as a result of the loss of brand identification, I personally take umbrage at the fact that they intend to sue the government.

"Failing that, we aim to go ahead with a compensation claim for the loss to our business in Australia that would result from plain packaging,"  
- Philip Morris Asia spokeswoman, Anne Edwards 

I really don't like it generally when people sue "the government". "The Government" in this sense is usually seen as some sort of nebulous concept, but we need to remember that the government sector takes its revenue from us as taxpayers. To make up the shortfall because some multi-national corporation has got it in its craw and seeks damages will mean that that money has to be taken from somewhere, and the only two options are that the government sector spends less or that we taxpayers pay more in tax.

PM Julia Gillard has said "We're not going to be intimidated by Big Tobacco's tactics, whether they're political tactics, whether they're public affairs kind of tactics out in the community or whether they're legal tactics," ; I wish her all the goodwill I can muster in this issue.

I also object to the utterly stupid adverts being peddled at the moment, decrying the so-called "Nanny State". Take note at the end when they're forced at law to admit that the adverts have been authorised by Imperial Tobacco. Is this honestly how Imperial Tobacco views the public? As a bunch of borderline morons? What do they take us for? Seriously!

I really hope that Philip Morris loses the court case and that they have to pay hideously expensive court costs. As a taxpayer, I object to being taken for a ride by filchers, racketeers and shysters.

To Philip Morris: You are not worth another word, else I'd call you knave!