Tobacco.org

BROWN: Time to tax, break nasty habits  

Arkansas has raised the tax on cigarettes in their state by 56 cents per pack, making the total tax now $1.15 per pack. In fact, 44 states have raised cigarette taxes since Jan. 1, 2002. We think that's a great idea! . . .

Studies show that the new tax in Arkansas will reduce youth smoking by 7 percent and overall cigarette consumption by about 4 percent. This will produce $357.9 million in long-term health care savings ... and raise about $72 million a year in new state revenue.

Perhaps one of the best things these taxes will do is to help convince addictive persons that yes, they can live without punishing themselves and others in their families. And yes, there is far more to life than being addicted to smoking, drinking and wasting your money on games of chance, where you know things are slanted against you to start with. I'll wager that if you asked those who truly love you, "What one thing would you change about me, if you could?" ... it would include one of these mentioned habits.

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