Don't let Big Tobacco off the hook. I urge your Administration to aggressively pursue the government's lawsuit against the tobacco industry. Please say no to special protection for Big Tobacco and give the American people their day in court.

After even a multi-million dollar corporate image campaign highlighting its charitable contributions and downplaying its deadly and addictive tobacco products failed to improve its image, Philip Morris decided they needed a corporate makeover. The makeover focused on choosing a 'fresh' new name for the company, "Altria."

Philip Morris continues to engage in harmful tobacco marketing practices that addict children while it aggressively fights public health policies designed to reduce the damage its tobacco products cause. Philip Morris, a.k.a. "Altria" has been one of the largest donors of federal political campaign contributions over the past decade in its efforts to defeat legislation that would reduce the terrible toll of tobacco.

President Bush, please fully fund the lawsuit and don't settle for anything short of fundamental changes in Big Tobacco's harmful marketing and manufacturing practices.