Well, TheFreak, I don't have a crystal ball so its hard to tell...but I think the numbers are in favor of taxing as opposed to accepting higher campaign donations. What I find interesting is that you think the fact that Republicans get 6 to 7 times as much funding from tobacco somehow makes them MORE objective and unbiased in this issue. How does that work exactly?
What I was wondering was, can the government just decide to tax any good they want at whatever amount they want? That seems a little unfair....I would think that if my product was being taxed disproportionately like that, I wouldn't be too happy about it. Good question. Say the government wanted to make smoking illegal completely but couldn't do it for constitutional or political reasons. Could they just levy a $500 tax per pack of cigarettes? I don't really know.
Apparently I misread sarcasm when you asked me if I thought the situation would be reversed if the numbers were different. If that's the case, I apologize.
Why does it always have to turn into republicans vs. democrats? If raising the price of cigarettes increases the chance that I can walk down the street or go into a building without feeling like I'm suffocating I'm all for it.
Come on DCkid ... you've been on this board long enough to know that EVERYTHING has to turn into republicans vs. democrats. What else is there to fight about in the off season?
Actually, I'm for this too. And they should tax the hell out of fast food, too. Make it cost $12 for a Big Mac. I don't smoke, drink, or eat fast food, so the phrase "better you than me" comes to mind.
a quick lesson on NY economics. $12 for a mixed drink at your favorite bar if you are like your average person willing to buy 3+ when you go out you are now talking about $40+ with the tip. so if you smoke even a whole pack while you are out those $7 dont seem like so much any more. and most people would smoke 1/2 back or less. furthermore. $7.00 for 20 cigs thats $0.35 per cig. now concidering that candy bars are what like 75 cents these days, and even more some places. I would say that you addicted freaks can handle the $0.35 per fix cost much like Diseased monkeys of the world can handle their cost. and with the way you smokers b**** and act like your gonna die if you dont get a smoke, i would think you would pay alot more than 35 cents a smoke. Peace
what do you have against the "Truth" commercials? They are very blunt, but something has to be said when the cigarette companies are targeting kids. THEY CAUSE CANCER. I don't understand why anyone would smoke, why not just get a 357 and put one in the chamber and play russian roulette everytime you feel like smoking? Both of my parents smoked as a kid and my mom smoked while she was pregnant with me, my bro and sis. I don't have any problem with the huge taxes on cigarettes. The govt ends up paying for healthcare of the smokers so they should be able to recoup their money somehow. I also think alcohol should have a higher tax but the fast food tax doesn't sound to good though. There are low income families that need that stuff (I don't eat it though). It is your right to smoke, just like it is my right to b!tch about it.
That's right! But then smokers get called names like "Stupid", are told to jump off buildings, told to change the way they live their life.
I think they should legalize crack and tax it. Little kids will get addicted to that in a hurry and BAM, instant revenue.
Ya see, when most people commit suicide, they try and do it in the most painless or peaceful way possible...gunshot to the back of the throat, a bottle of sleeping pills, car running in a locked garage...not to mention that all those methods are cheaper. I mean, if you're going to kill yourself, why not leave some money to your family? I was just offering a PSA to smokers, that's all...
Since it is a voluntary tax I don't see a problem with it. Can't you guys buy ciggies on the internet to avoid the tax? Smoking is unhealthy for sure, but it is certainly very hard to quit. Both of my parents still smoke, and have been trying to quit for years, they have both had health issues related to smoking. When I talk to my mom she is constantly coughing...it is sad really. Oh well, it is your choice to ruin your body, too bad that everyone's tax dollars have to pay for your mistakes. DaDakota
Hey A-train you know what happens to people that don't smoke, eat right and exercise? They die anyway.
As a smoker of 25+ years, here are my two cents: 1) I'd do anything to quit (for obvious reasons) I need help. So... 2) I'd welcome all restrictions and taxes There'll come a day when I say to myself while stealing a cig in a dark alley, "This is just not worth it". I will rejoice that day. RR
What good are two lungs after you're dead? A-train and all I appreciate the concern about my health. I really do. But I must admit it's interesting being a social pariah.
I don't have a problem with the ads; they're actually very professionally done, IMO. What I can't stand is this constant babble about all this being "for the children" , "for our health", blah blah blah Sorry. I just don't approve of the constant increases in taxes, regardless of whether I have to pay them or not. To be fair, this is a very non-partisan issue. Both parties LOVE the idea of cigarette taxes because its win/win. They are able to gain "needed" revenue to cover their ever-increasing spending and at the same time justify it to and keep the perceived support of the general public. Some interesting tidbits from NCPA.org from 1994. Part of what living in a free society means is having the right to take risks without asking others' permission and without paying others a fee for the privilege of exercising that right.
