Dear U.S. PIRG member,
The most rewarding part of my job is winning changes that make a
difference in people’s lives. But I have to admit that putting powerful
adversaries on the spot is pretty satisfying in and of itself.
Take
Philip Morris. The company’s lobbyists have, so far, avoided the
tobacco tax increase that would fund an expansion of the SCHIP program.
We’re working with Congress to override the president’s veto.
Blackwater used to operate in Iraq and elsewhere largely under the
radar. We’re working to cast a spotlight on the practices that allow
firms like Blackwater to defraud the government and escape
accountability.
Mattel has apologized profusely for lead-laden toys, and rightly so.
Yet the firm’s lobbyists are still fighting policies that could make
our kids safer. We’re pushing the company to sign onto our Corporate
Safety Challenge.
We’ll never have the numbers of high-paid lobbyists, lawyers and
strategists that these powerful interests have. That’s why I, along
with every other member of our staff, am extremely grateful to have you
on our side.
Together, we can keep holding powerful interests accountable.
Sincerely,
Andre Delattre
Executive Director
