I don’t like cigarettes. Therefore, those who want to attack Art Pope or whoever allegedly pours the mush under my skullcap should expect me to be happy that government is taking money from cigarette companies for weird purposes – but I’m not.

The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission has selected recipients for a total of $3 million in tobacco industry confiscations. Supposedly, the money is to stimulate the economy, decrease unemployment, and a few other things that don’t really happen by indirect means; at least not in my experience.

Some award-winning purposes were:

  • Product and market development for an operation at AB Tech’s incubator
  • Mentoring for thirty small or minority farm families to develop business plans and learn financial management skills
  • Green energy
  • Education though enhanced teaching and directed subject material
  • Training to strengthen the interpersonal and communication skills of thirty agricultural leaders.