“Philip
Morris was a client of mine” – Kevin Donnelly can nitpick, but he cannot
defend the motives of Philip Morris, the company that funded Donnelly’s
development of the ‘I’ve Got the Power’ program.

Philip Morris
is the world’s biggest tobacco company and it is concerned about its
future markets. The following quotes are but a few from the many
thousands of documents that demonstrate what Philip Morris thinks about
children and young people:

– “Smoking a cigarette for the
beginner is a symbolic act – ‘I am no longer my mother’s child, I’m
tough, I am an adventurer, I’m not square.’ As the force from the
psychological symbolism subsides, the pharmacological effect takes over
to sustain the habit.” (1969 draft report “Why One Smokes” to
the PM board of directors prepared by Osdene’s department. Document
bates N. 1003287836)

– “The ability to attract new smokers and develop
them into a young adult franchise is key to brand development.” (1999
Philip Morris report, “Five-Year Trends 1988-1992.” Bates No.
2044895379/484)

The
evidence shows overwhelming that Philip Morris has not changed: In the US,
while saying it doesn’t want kids to smoke, Philip Morris pressured
Florida to stop some of its anti-tobacco ads, which have been among the
most effective in the country. In other parts of the world that have
laxer tobacco control laws, Philip Morris has hired under-aged girls
to pass out free cigarettes to other children and sponsored concerts
where cigarettes were handed to children.

Kevin Donnelly states
“Philip Morris was a client of mine.” That can only be read as Kevin
Donnelly worked for Philip Morris as part of a feel good promotional
strategy.