But here's the problem. Even though there's no moral justification for federal and state governments' tax extortion of cigarette smokers, most smokers relent because they are law-abiding people. Almost by definition, people who get involved with smuggling have a lower regard for laws in general. These are people who don't mind the use of violence in settling disputes. Neither do they mind corrupting public officials through intimidation, bribes or payoffs.
Outlaws are major beneficiaries of the national attack on smokers.
A couple of weeks ago, federal authorities charged 18 people with smuggling cigarettes out of North Carolina, a state with low cigarette taxes, to Michigan, where taxes are higher. N.C. Incredibly, the Feds are targeting cigarette manufacturers for smuggling. That makes as much sense as holding a tool manufacturer responsible for my assaulting you with a hammer he sold me. Let's look at prospects. The British weren't successful in stopping our Founders from buying from whom they pleased.