BEWARE OF PIJAC!!!!

Originally Posted by Jerry_c_62

I agree with Rich totally on this point. If the government really wanted to protect people they would outlaw cigarettes. BUT NOOOOOOO they will not give up the revenue from the taxes even though people will die because of it. Granted these people made a choice and have to live with it (no pun intended). The government could save thousands by outlawing smokes. I wonder why, when they are SOOOOO interested in what is good for you and me, they don't?

Well at least the present occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania steps out to the back yard for a heater, so all the smokers won't have to worry about that for at least the next 3+ years or so.

I have to disagree a little on the drug/cig issue... well, I'm all against banning things that only cause self-harm. Let people do what they will as long as they're informed.
The trouble comes when those people go to the ER, etc with their smoking problems. They become a burden, bla bla bla... taxes CAN be used to "internalize an externality" and force people to pay the real cost of their actions.
Not saying that's what the government actually IS doing, I imagine it's seldom so efficient, but in theory I actually LIKE the idea of taxing things that are (self) harmful instead of banning them, and using the money to educate people/support rehab programs/whatever.