Posted on 05/02/2015 2:31:09 PM PDT by Kaslin
“The triumph of persuasion over force is a sign of a civilized society.”
– Mark and Jo Ann Skousen, “Persuasion vs. Force” pamphlet
The governor and the legislature of the state of Hawaii could learn a thing or two from the views my wife Jo Ann and I shared in our pamphlet, “Persuasion vs Force.” Read it here.
Last week, Hawaii became the first state to raise the smoking age to 21. Let’s see, now, you can vote and go to war for your country but you can’t pick up a cigarette? What’s going wrong in this country when we cannot trust young adults to choose for themselves whether to smoke or not?
The law would prevent adolescents from smoking, buying or possessing both traditional and electronic cigarettes. Those caught breaking the rules would be fined $10 for the first offense. Subsequent offenses would lead to a $50 fine or mandatory community service.
“It’s definitely groundbreaking legislation,” said Jessica Yamauchi, executive director of the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii, which pushed for the bill. “It’s amazing to be the first state in something. That’s very exciting for us.”
Some local governments have similar bans, including Hawaii County and New York City (not surprising).
According to the state’s Department of Health, 5,600 kids in Hawaii try smoking each year, and 90 percent of daily smokers begin the habit before age 19. Meanwhile, 1,200 people die from tobacco use or exposure in Hawaii every year.
Opponents say it’s unfair that a military veteran returning from service could be prevented from smoking.
“It is not right because you are deemed an adult when you turn 18,” said Michelle Johnston, owner of Sub Ohm Vapes in Kailua-Kona.
“You can sign up and be in the military and basically give your life for your country. You can vote,” she said. “Why shouldn’t you be able to choose if you want to buy tobacco products or vaping products, when you’re considered a legal adult?”
Good question.
And what age do they approve of choom?
And right now, half the so called ‘Right wing’ is cheering right along with the Dems.
Wrong call by Hawaii.
A better idea is to increase the tax on cigarettes. ECON 101. An increase in price will result in a decrease in demand.
18, 19, and 20-year-old Hawaiians need not worry. Everyone knows that it is real easy to produce a fake birth certificate in Hawaii.
18, 19, and 20-year-old Hawaiians need not worry. Everyone knows that it is real easy to produce a fake birth certificate in Hawaii.
Great economist Jenny Granholm agreed with your progressive scumbag ass and it led to higher taxes elsewhere to make up for the loss.
Or license.
Because it's important to create different classes of people; declare some classes to be pariahs; and tax the pariahs differently than the other classes.
ECON 101. An increase in price will result in an increase in the black market decrease in demand.
Or maybe you just forgot the sarcasm tag?
Ban the product or leave it alone.
I’m sick of leftists and their incremental crap.
Probably just another case of Freeper liberalism. Happens alot lately. Since Romney in fact.
Now how about raising the age to vote back to 21.
People in California use too much water, we should tax it so high that they are more careful about how much they use.
People in Montana drive too far and use too much gas. We should raise the gas tax by $5 per gallon and start taxing them by the mile to make them stop.
People in bakeries don’t make enough cakes for gay people, we should use the power of government to force compliance or drive them out of business.
/s
Right wing? Doesn’t exist in HI.
There is something so repugnant about increasing taxes. What business is it of politicians whether people smoke. I never have and never will. It’s none of my business if others choose to do so.
“People in Montana drive too far and use too much gas. We should raise the gas tax by $5 per gallon and start taxing them by the mile to make them stop.”
Several states currently exploring that very thing and tracked via GPS. Not 5 a gal YET, but give them time
Good to see you, BTW. It's been a while.
/johnny
“A better idea is to increase the tax on cigarettes”
LOL. Grow government some more. It’s for the children, don’t cha know.
Actually all higher taxes do, is lead to a massive influx of bootleg cigarettes as proven time and time again in cities like NYC
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.