Not sure what your point is, but the facts are Tobacco use is right up there amongst the leading causes of death for both men and women. Also contributes to the most common cancer (Lung). 90% of lung cancer patients smoked. Some say obesity and heart disease is the number one. Well it's debateable and IMHO both are right up there! It's also said that a one pack a day smoker is like someone being 90 Lbs overweight health wise. Besides to keep this Z related. I rather be buying a 370Z than smoking a couple packs a day! :) Just think of all that money smokers throw away... :roflpuke2:

Here some fun facts:
http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/node/30

Wow sobering

That is true, however, they probably will with the healthcare bill.

In fact, if they don't, I'd be surprised.

im glad they are banning smoking from a lot of restaurants. nothing worse than having a great meal getting ruined by smoke.

Except a $5 tax on top of each pack sold would go a long way towards paying for the expenses that the user or their child may face when it comes to smoking related illnesses.

1 pack a day, $5 x 365 x 30 years smoking = approx $55K. That's not even close to what radiation costs...but it'd help.

Which is why the govt shouldn't be adding the tax on top. It takes that money out of their pocket. It's not like they give the money back if you get cancer.

Tobacco taxes aren't going anywhere but up, Nick.

I agree

I'm just against taxes in general regardless of the item haha

Who's pocket? The smoker's? Simple - quit smoking. Easy enough fix. Make it cost enough (by taxing it) and people will stop doing it, and the problems caused by it will go away.

The end result is that we're healthier for it, making our healthcare costs go down, which then the money "gained" by taxing won't be nessicary. On the other hand, those that do smoke, end up costing ALL OF US more money by having higher premiums - might as well try and offset it by placing a tax on the items causing the problem.

Do you like driving on nice roads with your Z?

Do you like the police coming to your house when you call them (or going to a neighbor's house when they are unruly) or responding to an accident when you wreck your Z?

Do you like the fire department showing up and putting out a fire that will consume all of your possessions without regard?

There's a lot of things that taxes pay for that have a huge benefit.

lol I understand that. I'm not talking about municipal taxes on such services. I think we should just drop it before this thread gets out of hand haha.

With all this talk of smoking and Z's... I couldn't resist! ;)

Well I for one don't want to be made "healthier" against my will. Oh and get your facts straight. It's a little publicized fact but smokers have lower total health care costs. The average age at which a smoker gets lung cancer is 72 and typically they don't live long enough to have long extended illnesses.

Why stop at cigarettes? Why not tax to extinction or outright outlaw all sorts of risky behavior -- hang gliding ... no way ..the nanny state says people having accidents hang gliding will raise premiums. Like fast cars ... sorry ...fast cars are dangerous. Like your whoppers -- you gotta be kidding ... saturated fat is a mega killer.

It's a slippery slope and it's inconsistent with the notion of individual responsibility for which this country is known.

If they are going to outlaw smoking because the non-smokers are getting annoyed at smelling a little smoke, then they should also outlaw wearing Axe body spray or old lady perfume in public places -- that crap is way more noxious smelling than a bit of stale tobacco smoke

Someone who agrees with me rep+ :tup:

It won't prevent already addicted people who can afford it to quit, but maybe it will reduce the number of teens who start smoking, or who can't afford to start smoking. Nobody starts smoking when they're adults and have money.

Yea, but to be honest I don't like the government involved in who's doing what with their lives.