Tobacco.org

MITCHAM: Cigarettes, politics and the dollar 

The joy of lighting up is real. I smoked a pack a day for six years in my early 20s. I didn’t plan to become a smoker, but when you cross the line from repulsion to pleasure, you’re there. And it doesn’t take long. . . .

If you smoke, you’re accepting a higher risk for medical calamities. Smoking leads to enormous health expenses for society. As a group, smokers shouldn’t be dismayed about footing more of the down payment on what they ultimately cost society. While a $1 increase wouldn’t eliminate smoking, it would cut down on the number of packs people will buy, which would lead to fewer cigarettes smoked, and ultimately a reduction in smoking-related health care costs. This would have the effect of raising more revenues for the state and reducing some expenses. It’s a sensible thing. Those opposing the tax say that all tax increases are bad, but what about one that simultaneously reduces costs?

Plus, if the packs of smokes cost $1 more, maybe fewer 18 year olds such as myself will light up with their friends, youthfully oblivious to the addictive fire they play with.

Jump to full article »