[brat]

The persecution of smokers just never quits, does it! They are targeting us and subjecting us to uncalled for tyranny. I would think even non smokers would say enough is enough. What about our rights?

[dheretic]

I'm all for excise taxes as an alternative to income taxes. Smokes aren't a necessity therefore they should be taxed. You want keel over and die without them the way you would without food, water or medicine (which I feel should have no tax on them at all). You chose to addict yourself to them. For my state at least I would like to see an increase in the sales tax from 4.5% to about 7-7.5%, the alcohol and tobacco product taxes increased, gas tax made into a progressive tax by octane and the complete abolition of both individual and corporate income taxes. Think of how much money could be raised if pot were legalized. The government could add a tax of $10-$15 per equivalent to a pack of cigarettes and most users would call it a bargain. I, and most libertarians, have no problems taxing vice because they are the ultimate in luxury items because they have no value other than sensual pleasure.

[Max McGarrity]

BTTT, brat. Thanks. I think.

[KineticKitty]

I quit smoking 4 years ago after many years of smoking. And you are correct, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Sure we live in a country of freedom, but apparently you have to pay out the Wazoo to enjoy some of those freedoms. < /sarcasm>

[#3Fan]

I've been a nonsmoker all my life and agree that cigarettes shouldn't be taxed any more than anything else. Any tax that takes an excessive amount of money out of the efficient private sector and funnels that money into the ineffecient public sector robs the general population of standard of living.

[Just another Joe]

"In the end, this isn't about revenues, spreadsheets or Rainy Day Funds," he said. "This is about stopping a child from buying that first pack of cigarettes or chewing tobacco.

BULL!
It's ALL about budgets and control!