via Steve Gilliard:

Tobacco Escapes Huge Penalty U.S. Seeks $10 Billion Instead of $130 Billion

"We were very surprised," said Dan Webb, lawyer for Altria Group's Philip Morris USA and the coordinating attorney in the case. "They've gone down from $130 billion to $10 billion with absolutely no explanation. It's clear the government hasn't thought through what it's doing."

Steve wants to know who got paid. When the tobacco lawyers are wondering what's up, you know this came from the White House. It's not surprising that big business again hits the jackpot with the Bush administration. If you need food stamps or are a returning veteran from Iraq, watch out.