I couldn't stand the hypocrisy of politicians who blamed the industry while taking any and all taxes from the sale of tobacco, not to mention the generous political contributions from tobacco companies. I still don't believe it's right to blame the industry for what is essentially a life-style choice. Every day I read about another state battling over how to spend its share, and every day I grow angrier because most proposals have nothing to do with preventing or curing lung cancer or any other smoking-related disease. After eight weeks in the hospital, the amputation of my left leg, the trials of continuing chemotherapy, to say nothing of the emotional toll the diagnosis has taken on family and friends, I want to see this tobacco money better spent. Judy Jarvis is the host of a nationally syndicated radio show.
Smokers also pay taxes with each pack of cigarettes they buy.
The combined health care savings and tax revenues make up for the smoking habit. Though the government continues to demonize tobacco, nobody in Washington is clamoring to ban it because there is so much money to siphon from the tobacco industry.