Are Ciggerate taxes too high?

[Salty]

Besides, dictating that people quit puffing has never worked. It doesn't work with alcohol either. The day welfare cheques come out the liquor stores are jam packed!!!!

Cheers,
Jim

Oh, Jim, don't you know that is just a coincidence

 

[Alcott]

If taxes are too high, buy them on Indian reservations or look for truck drivers from the Carolinas or Virginia and ask about the black market.

 

[TomVols]

All this is precisely why I am against the legislation regarding marijuana. This is government endorsing/prohibition of a behavior all for the purpose of tax revenue. When I did my first CPE, an oncologist went on a tirade about taxing the bleep out of tobacco to fund cancer research and treatment. Many applauded. I rolled my eyes. I couldn't help thinking about the numerous people I saw that day who never smoked a day in their life but still had cancer. Why do I mention all that? Because taxation or government fiat never does curb much of the intended behavior it sets out to change. Take the Prime Rate policy of the Fed, for example. Savings is discouraged, yet the personal savings rate has increased fivefold since the Fall of 2008. Doesn't matter how much the govt tries to punish savers or borrowers or encourage the other. When people want to do something, they will find an incentive, rather than when the govt. tries to artificially incentivize a behavior or punish one.

And I think it is ridiculous to use taxation as a way to punish or encourage behavior.Of course, in one sense it's the playing field we're left to use; it's the hand we're dealt. Legalization NEVER does away with a black market. Never. Someday, I hope the govt will come to its senses. I don't have much hope.

 

[Crabtownboy]

Smoking is so bad for people that the tax should be raised so high that it will be too painful for people to smoke. Let's say at least $10.00 a pack.

 

[Jim1999]

Obesity is also a killer! Maybe we should tax the devil out of "fat" foods, and people who have bellies resting on their knees ,,,,,,,or pulpits.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Obesity is also a killer! Maybe we should tax the devil out of "fat" foods, and people who have bellies resting on their knees ,,,,,,,or pulpits.

Cheers,

Jim

You may laugh brother but they are attempting that in NYC as we speak

 

[rbell]

The problem is that government quickly becomes addicted to any revenue they get. If they do manage to reduce rates of smokers in this country, the drop in revenue will distress our "leaders." In response, they will quickly pass this tax on to another "sin" type of tax (or even a tax on everyone) because "they can't live without the revenue...think about the children..."

rbell <--not a smoker, hates the stench, but recognizes theivery as well...

 

[sag38]

rbell is right. Where will it all end? Raise the tax too much and all the government will do is to fuel the black market. Some folks are going to smoke, dip, and chew and will break the law if necessary to get their tobacco of choice.

 

[TomVols]

Smoking is so bad for people that the tax should be raised so high that it will be too painful for people to smoke. Let's say at least $10.00 a pack.

It won't work. People will then sacrifice to buy cigs. I've heard people swear they'll stop buying them at $1 a pack. Then $2 a pack. Then $3 a pack. Or $5...that's when they'll stop. They don't. They'll punt unnecessary items like baby food, diapers, healthcare.....:BangHead: I wish I could say I didn't actually see people do this, but I do. Their biggest dilemma is whether to cut back on this week's booze, cigs, or lottery tickets. Sad.

 

[mandym]

Smoking is so bad for people that the tax should be raised so high that it will be too painful for people to smoke. Let's say at least $10.00 a pack.

This is not the mentality of a people who cherish freedom but instead it is the mentality of those who want some sort of single rule over all. It is contrary to the founding of this country and deplorable.

 

[Jim1999]

Besides, they are ten dollars a pack in Ontario, and it sure hasn't stopped the smokers.

Cheers,

Jim