"Army/Natl.Guard/SWAT teams hunting dowen and shooting gangs in N.O. just saw them start to swarm on at least one thug in jis green caddilac, Soldiers in trucks with heavy caliber weapons mounted on their tops, chasing down the thugs, being reported ny FNC!"
Common sense. This should have been one of the priorities as soon as possible.
"You are missing my point - smoke all you want, just don't expect me to pay for it (through taxes)"
Your argument is inconsistant. Since you seem to be so hung up on taxes, would you be in favor of government intervention on; hot coffee, fast food, weapons, motorcycle helmuts, car seatbelts, swimming pools, knives, hammers, or any number of items one could list that could protect the general public from harm?
"Problem is that I get taxed to fund Medicare, Medicaid, etc so that those who choose to smoke can then get treated for bronchitis, lung cancer, MI, TIA, stroke, etc."
What an idiotic statement.
Don't worry, the government will take care of you. All will be fine.