Tobacco Lobbyist Talks Turkey, Shoots Messengers

A food industry website reports that lobbyist Rick Berman addressed Tuesday's annual meeting of the National Turkey Association. "What many of you don't understand is just how many different ways this industry is being attacked by groups. They are coming at you all from the animal rights side, as well as biotechnology, antibiotics hysteria, anti-corporate, labor and the factory farms angle. ... There will be increased consumer anxiety, possible consumption taxes, further competition from alternative food providers, unnecessary market restrictions, and an influx of class-action suits." Berman urged industry to "shoot the messengers and take their credibility away." Berman's activist-bashing business was launched with $600,000 from Philip Morris tobacco company, which also happens to be the largest food company in the U.S.