i hate that not only did the federal government raise the cigarette tax, but that california also did it as well. do they think that the added revenue will lift america out of this recession? why are smokers singled out to pay this extra tax? how would you like it if your habbit is going to sporting events and every time you enter a stadium, they charge you an extra tax? what about a tax on every drink you order in a bar?
they justify it by saying that it will discourage people from smoking. that's true enough. but if they want to raise revenue, why would they want anyone to quit? it's a contradiction.
last year california voters also approved a tax increase on cigarettes. the revenue goes to keeping emergency rooms open. are smokers responsible for keeping emergency rooms open? what percentage of emergency visits are accounted by smoking-related problems? why don't they tax purchases of guns for this. afterall, gun shots will certainly land you in an emergency room. and what about people who participate in sports? they should be taxed for participation because they are more likely to suffer injuries that land them in an emergency room. how do you justify NOT taxing them?
