Today the largest-ever federal tax on cigarettes goes into effect. The tax is almost 62-cents-per-pack, which is pretty hefty, but honestly I back the shit out of it. Why? Why not?
Cigarettes cause cancer. They do. You know it. I know it. Joe Camel knows. The cat sitting next to you on the patio at your favorite watering hole who is using his almost finished cig to light his next one knows it. This fact cannot be disputed.
Cancer sucks. We can all agree on this. In fact, it sucks so much that we’re dedicating our two year anniversary party to this very cause (lots more details on that to come).
We all know someone who has been effected by cancer and for those people who smoke to do so knowing full well that they’re not only putting themselves but everyone around them at risk of contracting this lethal disease is irresponsible and dangerous.
I’m not suggesting cigarettes should be illegal. The last thing I want is the government taking rights away from people … but I am a proponent of this tax … just as I’m a proponent of the legalization and taxation of marijuana. It’s a great source of revenue in a time where this country is in dire need of a cash injection.
The old man in the CNN article I have linked below claims the government is “picking on us poor people,” which is just ridiculous. Since when is it only poor people who smoke? You can’t walk 15 feet down the street in Anytown, USA without seeing someone, old or young or rich or poor, standing on the sidewalk puffing a heater. No one here is picking on the poor, buddy. It’s simply a great way to not only generate revenue, but also to deter people from buying that next pack of cigs, or in the case of young people, that first pack of cigs.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Just wait til Bev Purdue gets her way and the state taxes the fudge out of tobacco products as well. Despite the negative effects and risks brought forth by toking lucky strikes, think about the disrespect shown to our forefathers in this great state who at one time lived by the tobacco crop. I agree, these new taxes would push one to kick the habit, but I for one am irked to the point that just the sight of the support for this tax here on The Blahg, and the constant reminders in the media for the past few weeks, makes me want to jump outside and puff a p-funk til the cherry burns away some of that recessed filter.
Here’s an interesting WSJ article from today written on the subject- http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123854056373275583.html