|
WARNING:
This site deals only with the corporate corruption of science, and makes no inference about the motives or activities of individuals involved.
There are many reasons why individuals become embroiled in corporate corruption activities - from political zealotry to over-enthusiastic activism; from gullibility to greed.
Please read the OVERVIEW carefully, and make up your own mind.
|
OPINION ONLY
[Temporary: while site is under construction] George R Minshew
Some key documents • He was a lobbyist for the Tobacco Institute on the Washington, DC staff who took over the State Activities Division in mid 1988. See the cash-for-comments economists network
1987 Jun 3: Memo on "Economic Witness Evaluation" from Dennis Dyer of the Tobacco Institute to an associate George Minshew.
They have initially identified six economists in New England who appear willing to work with them on tobacco-related issues [lending their names to op-eds, studies, etc. and giving witness for the industry at inquiries]. In April another economist was identified and subsequently contacted — Professor Simon Rottenberg, University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
On February 24, I contacted each of the identified economists in the region by letter (Attachment B). In each instance I provided the economist with three examples of Tl-generated economic impact studies and asked for their initial impressions and recommendations. This is the tobacco industry's standard technique for recruiting scientists and academics. Before they are formally contracted, they must prove they are aligned to the industries pro-smoking requirement by turning in some written commentary which shows that they support the industry's position. Dyer has a plan for more effectively use of these economists, nationwide. He also includes the full multi-page resume of Professor Dominick T Armento who has proved to be a successful recruit.
On Page 44 there is a copy of Dyer's letter to Armentano. The Professor had been previously contacted by Jim Savarese (a specialist lobbyist and recruiter of economists) and this was the follow-up letter arranging a formal review of some literature (to ascertain his opinions re smoking) and to arrange a meeting for recruitment discussion. This letter has been prominently labeled:
"**SAMPLE LETTER TO ECONOMIC WITNESSES**"
- Attachment 1. Page 15 is a pro-industry article Armentano has written in the Hartford Courant, "Cigarette taxes flunk on fairness"
- Attachment 2. Page 16 is the resume of Robert C McMahon, who is an Associate Professor of Economics at the USM.
- Attachment 3. Page 19 is the resume of Lee J Alston, Assisant professor of Economics at Williams College and a private consultant to an unnamed law firm. [He is in Australia on leave - see reply page 45]
- Attachment 4. Page 24 is the resume of Dennis E Logue of the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire. [He is at Georgetown University at this time, and he replies (Page 46) favourably reviewing the literature he has been sent, and suggesting lines of defense for the industry]
- Attachment 5 . Page 32 is the resume of Arthur C Mead, Assistant Professor at the University of Rhode Island. [He didn't reply to the TI request that he review their literature and comment on the economic case]
- Attachment 6 . Page 37 is the resume of K Celeste Gaspari, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Vermont. [He replies (Page 48) saying he is still waiting for the annual $1000 retainer he was promised, and is disappointed with the Tobacco Institute. He won't work with them if this is the way they do business.]
- Attachment 7 . Page 40 is the resume of William F Shughart II, ex Special Assistant to the Director, Bureau of Economics at the FTC, and now an Associate Professor at Clemson University. [He apparently didn't reply]
 
1987 Oct 19: TI's Walter Woodson to group: "Scientific Witness Appearance Requirements" Lists C&B. ACVA, TI staff, and extras Ed Dunkelberger, Dee Herndon, Jada Smith, George Minshew, Josh Douglas, John Lyons, Cathey Yoe, George Yenowine.
1987 Nov 1: Hilton Beach Hotel Lugana Baach, Calif THE TOBACCO INSTITUTE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SEMINAR [TIDN0003000/3009]
1988 May 26: Minshew appointed Acting Director of State Activities Division of the TI. Roger Mozingo has resigned as Senior VP. Minshew is one of 19 Vice Presidents, and 4 Senior VPs
1988 June: He took over the State Activities Division when Roger Mozingo resigned.
1988 June 16: Executive Committee meeting of the Tobacco Institute.
President Chilcote stated that he had, following Roger Mozingo's departure, appointed George Minshew as acting head of the State Activities Division, and he called upon Mr Minshew to report on state activities.
Mr. Minshew, stating that it was a privilege and pleasure for him to be asked to assume the additional responsibilities, reported on the current legislative year and stated that 1989 looked as though it would be as active a year as The Institute has faced on the state and local legislative front. He summarized the outlook on tax measures, smoking restriction proposals and proposals to ban or restrict various types of promotion.
In concluding the report Mr Minshew summarized the status of the state initiatives dealing with tobacco issues, with particular emphasis on the California initiative to increase drastically the taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Mr. Minshew expressed his confidence that an excellent team is working to oppose the California initiative and Mr Chilcote presented the proposed budget, submitted by the California organization, for a campaign in opposition to the initiative.
After discussion the Committee members from Lorillard, Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds stated their agreement to make contributions to the California campaign to cover their respective shares of the budget, with the request that the budget be closely examined to avoid any unnecessary expenses.
 |
