Quote:
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Originally Posted by filtherton
Another variation is:
My gas taxes are a "voluntary" tax that local, state AND federal governments cannot live without. Therefore, they have no right to dictate to me where and when I may drive.
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I totally agree, and the government doesn't dictate where or when you may drive (unless you are totally nuts and want to go the wrong way on a 1 way street...lol).
This is just the beginning and people don't understand because it is easy to hate the effects of smoking. But let's look at it from this aspect.
Ok, we all agree the taxes from smoking are necessary to the respective local, state and federal governments. Now, without those taxes coming in, where do they get that money? Coffee? Fast food? Raise the gas taxes even more? Tax condoms? Tax soda? Tax whatever the government now deems to be "the killer" in society. What new "sin" will be taxed?
I don't drink coffee so tax the hell out of that. Besides I've seen reports where caffeine and coffee can cause cancers and health problems.
Fast food tax the hell out of that because we all know it just makes people obese, causes severe health problems and has no nutritional value.
Raise gas taxes... people need to drive to work and the public transportation systems offer crime, nasty seating conditions and in most cities take much longer to get where you want to go. Plus, it will cut down on all those nasty SUV's being driven about.
Where is the lost tax money from cigarettes going to come from? Hmmmmm....
Ok now let's look at the social aspect. If government can dictate where and when you may smoke, they then can dictate where and when you may drink coffee, eat fast food, drive your car, tell you what cars to drive and what cars not to drive, etc. and they can claim it is all for the common good and they have set precendence because they destroyed smokers rights.
When is enough government enough????? How can supposed conservatives who preach for less government truly support these issues?
Where will the money come from and what will be the next item targeted to be gotten rid of?
And yes, statistically the poor smoke more so they pay more tax. So whatever is next has to be something to hit the poor and lower class. Hmmmmmm fast food...... go bye bye.
Call me paranoid but this is where the government sees how they can control people and make people do what they believe to be right..... not what the individual believes.