Cigarette Taxation

Here we go again with the subject of cigarettes and taxation. As of April 1, 2009 a federal tax increase will be applied to packs and cartons of cigarettes. In Ohio the prices will increase 65 cents per pack or $6.50 per carton. That is another ridiculous price hike! The last time I purchased a pack of cigarettes I paid $5.70 with a coupon for some nasty Basic Full Flavor 100's. That was 3 weeks ago. After the initial shock and outrage, I was left wondering how much would I have paid for Marlboro's or Camel's? I was afraid to ask. Its like the old saying goes: If you have to ask... you probably can't afford it anyhow.

This is what I am feeling about these outrageous tax increases. It seems to me that if our government wants smokers to quit, they will make that happen. America is supposed to be the home of the free right? That simply isn't the case. Our government is going to continue taxing cigarettes until the reach a price that is simply unaffordable for everyone, which will leave Americans no choice but to quit.

Maybe I am off base here- this is only my opinion and is no way intended to outrage, infuriate or hurt anyone else. This just seems like a Nazi Germany move to me to continue taxing cigarettes. Americans are not free to make decisions for themselves anymore. Our government will make these important personal decisions for you. If the man wants you to be healthy he will find a way to make you healthy. Whats next? Outrageous taxation on unhealthy foods like Big Macs and Whoppers? When will alcohol see some major taxation? It is, in my opinion, more deadly than tobacco.

As an adult, I know smoking is not exactly good for a persons body, but there are a lot of things that are not good for the body. I think smoking is considered to be anti social because of a lot of opinionated people who push their views and theories onto others. The bottom line is this: It is my life, my health, it should be my decision to make. However, with our grim economic situation I have no choice but to give up my habit. Maybe I will turn to drugs and alcohol instead of cigarettes. According to a lot of big mouths that would be healthier than smoking a cigarette. I refuse to believe crack is better for the body than tobacco. It is just crazy to consider that the decision is not ours anymore. Big Brother will decide what is good and bad for the general public. If it is bad, we will be taxed to the point that we cannot afford the habit anymore, or we will have to choose between our addiction and putting food on the table or gas in the car. What a great world we live in! Eventually we won't have to think- The man will do that for us I guess.