[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.

[Newbomb Turk]

Just as long as it's someone elses vice right ? After all you wouldn't want to be taxed on your McDonalds cheese burger would you. How about on your soda or bottled water ? Get ready because they are next. If cigarettes are so damn bad why are they still legal. Answer, because Uncle Sam needs you to smoke because he needs the money. P.S. Diet Coke is my addiction I don't smoke.

[Great Dane]

Fast food isn't a necessity, obesity is a higher risk to health than smoking, I don't do fast food, so I am all for taxing it at the same rate as cigarettes.

[brat]

You forgot to mention bullets....should they be taxed too because they're not a necessity? What about toilet paper? LOL