But the notion of regulating cigarettes, holding manufacturers accountable, restricting advertising and trying to discourage the recruitment of under-age addicts is no longer one the industry can laugh off. It's about time. The Bible says that a child shall lead us. Nowadays, we're led by politicians claiming to protect that child. We forget that government is itself a threat, and that the Constitution's limits on government are there not only for us to enjoy, but for us to protect and pass on to our children.
Smoking is a major cause of ill health and the nation's high health care bill.
By raising the price, the higher tax would discourage smoking, particularly among the young people whom the cigarettes try so hard to hook. The legislation is thus a two-fer. He says the tax is regressive and could provide an unstable revenue source, since tobacco taxes reduce consumption. He also argues that as the government depends on the tobacco tax revenue, it may shy away from reducing smoking further. Not because I have some warped view of smoking, but because I believe that weakening the First Amendment poses a far greater threat to my kids' future than a smoke-filled room.