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Dr. Wigand personally reads every email sent to him via this website.
Below are excerpts from some of his most recent emails (names and other personally
identifiable information have been removed for privacy).
You can email Dr. Wigand at:
Dr. Jeffrey Wigand,
I wanted to reach out to you to thank you for your courage, determination
and efforts with respect to the position and action you took against PM and
the tobacco industry. These virtues I have described have helped me tremendously.
I remember in the mid-nineties when I watched your ‘60 Minutes’ interview. I
felt validated in my beliefs on tobacco companies and was impressed with the
guts it took to go on such a program and expose the malicious and
irresponsible behavior of tobacco firms. Years later I watched the movie
with Russell Crow and was further impressed by the struggle you and your
family underwent during the process to expose their behavior.
These events have had a major impact in my life and provided me with the
proper guidance on how I behave in my day to day life. Having been raised
by two ‘pack a day’ smokers and surrounded by smokers growing up, I always
knew smoking was wrong and that someone should be held accountable for the
financial and health consequences of tobacco addiction. Furthermore, I work
in the software manufacturing industry and I went through a similar
challenge to what you did; however less severe. My observations of your
behavior helped guide me through moral decisions and litigation processes
with a giant software corporation and come out on a winning end (to my
satisfaction). There are no winners in the end, just victims, pain and bad
memories. But my family is proud of my behavior and perseverance to take a
stand on an issue.
There are no super heroes in this world; the heroes are subtle in nature. I
will paraphrase something you once stated; Heroes are ordinary people who
make moral decisions in extraordinary circumstances. Whether you like it or
not, you are a hero of sorts. There are very few role models I look to, you
are one in my life.
Should you ever be in the Toronto – Ottawa - Montreal city areas, please
contact me. I would love to treat you to dinner and have a chat.
Warmest Regards,
Name Removed
Ottawa, Ontario
Jeffery,
Thank you so much for making the enormous sacrifice to stopping Big Tobacco or at least making them pay.
We need more Americans like you, our country would be a much better place.
Since 'The Insider' and the airing on 60 Minutes I believe big media is far worst than it was even in 2000.
We get ghost stories or reality TV. America is really dumbed down, it is a tragedy.
Here is a great documentary every American needs to see.
Orwell Rolls Over in His Grave
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1925114769515892401
qQPh0KSWBg&q=orwell+rolls+in+his+grave&hl=en>
&ei=7TnISsfTJIGeqQPh0KSWBg&q=orwell+rolls+in+his+grave&hl=en#
OutFoxed
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=outfoxed
&hl=en&emb=0#
I have a list of other but I am sure you have seen them.
Thank you so much for your honesty and saving millions of lives.
B. S.
Shoreview, MN
Mike Wallace's hero! Now that's restitution! Your courage was
extraordinary and I applaude you. Although this took place in your life
several years ago now, your story still has the power to influence and
encourage those of us who struggle. Thank you! I know the loneliness and
grief of standing up for your beliefs and values; when it would be easier to
give in and concede defeat. Unfortunately, as is often the case, not all
meet with exoneration and the praise, which makes your experience all the
more refreshing. Your story lifted my spirits and gave me hope to carry on!
Again thank you,
A fellow whistlerblower (on a micro level)
Dear Mr. Wigand,
My name is D. S. and I live in germany. Sorry about my bad english:-(
I only want to tell you, that I'm enthusiastic about your work and your courage.
Yesterday I saw the movie 'The Insider' and got the need to write you.
Thank you for your courage!! You show us, that we can fight and achieve things which seem far away!
I wish you a good life with your family!
Best Greets!
D. S.
Señor Wigand,
Mi profunda admiración por usted y por su lucha.
Usted se considera como una persona común y me permito suponer que tiene
muchas cosas tristes en su vida que todavía lo atormentan. Lo supongo,
porque todos en cierto momento nos hemos sentido mal por los errores que
cometimos durante nuestras vidas. La diferencia es que usted, a pesar de
ello, salió al frente y dijo su verdad... espero que acepte mi comentario y
aún que usted no quiera el titulo de héroe, quisiera llamarlo valiente.
Saludos desde un pequeño lugar en Sud América.
--
J. B.
Bolivia
Dr Wigand,
I just watched the mover 'The Insider', I am so overwhelmed by your courage, risking everything in your life, so we, the people get to the truth.
Thank you for you sacrifices, I hope you and your children are having a happy life.
Yours truly,
I. N.
Vernon , BC
Canada.
Dr. Wigand,
Thank you for making it easier for me to keep my kids and their friends from smoking.
Best Regards,
B. H.
Austin, TX
Thank you Doctor for what you did. You were the start, one day tabaco will be history.
MT
Norway
I just viewed 'The INSIDER' and what a great movie. Your life is extemporary and I admire all you have done. What courage you have!
T. J. B.
Dr. Wigand, I was on the jury in the Smith-V-Brown and Williamson trial. It was a pleasure to hear your testimony and just wanted to thank you for sharing your story with us.
Name Removed
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