Chronicle Shouldn’t Have Published Ad

To the Editor:

What a disappointment to see a full-page ad in your February 20 publication by Altria, the renamed Philip Morris holding company. How unpleasant to watch the tiger attempt to change its stripes. The fact that money speaks so loudly is the shame of our system, abetted by those who cannot or will not recognize the broader consequences of their actions. Is The Chronicle so destitute that it is forced to collaborate with one of the major corporate malefactors of our generation?

While it pursues an aggressive new branding campaign, the corporation formerly known as Philip Morris continues to strong-arm the world into accepting its deadly and all-too-profitable tobacco products.

The American Lung Association has a grass-roots program of philanthropic education for fellow nonprofits that consider accepting money from this corporation. We have succeeded in obtaining many pledges to refuse tobacco sponsorships because of the subtle tobacco marketing these sponsorships provide. Many of our fellow charities really need the money, but recognize their responsibility to their clients and the public at large.

Janie Davis
President
American Lung Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties