The American Lung Association chastised Ohio for its lacking effort to curb smoking. Of course, their proposed solution is increasing the “sin tax” on cigarettes.
A sin tax is like the government’s own smoking habit, but instead of being addicted to nicotine, it is addicted to power, control and regulation.
Government leaders deceptively say they are doing it for the “greater good.” In this case, they would make purchasing cigarettes more difficult because it is bad for people, which at its surface seems like a noble cause. No one can argue the negative side effects of smoking.
However, decreasing the number of smokers is not the government’s goal. In fact, they would prefer a greater number of people purchase cigarettes in order to generate more revenue.
After the money created by the tax is collected and wasted — it is government after all — they return, begging for more. If they do not raise the same tax again, then they will find new things that are “bad for us.”
That is the reason why everyone should oppose these kinds of taxes. Of course, a tax on cigarettes would place no financial burden on nonsmokers, but it does expand the government’s hunger for control.
Pretty soon, exercise freaks will not be allowed to run outside in the winter because they could slip, fall and break their leg.
These taxes are nothing more than blatant assaults against capitalism and an attempt to cheat the American citizens. But people are not as stupid as the government wishes they were.
Anyone who can read the warning label on each pack knows that smoking is unhealthy. But so is eating fast food, not getting enough sleep and cheering for Ohio’s sports teams. How many of us are guilty of that?
One popular argument is to say that smokers burden the health care system because of their risky behavior. However, people often acquire AIDS because of risky behavior and burden the health care system. And, on average, smokers die younger than nonsmokers.
This is not an attack against individuals with HIV or AIDS, but there is an obvious discrepancy in perception.
Why is the American Lung Association only suggesting a tax on the cigarettes themselves? A cigarette without a flame is as dangerous as a gun without a bullet. Why don’t they argue for a lighter tax?
Likewise, a lot of people start smoking because of peer pressure. Why doesn’t Ohio tax friendship by taxing people for every friend they have?
Many others only smoke when they drink. If that is true, then shouldn’t the state increase the alcohol tax… again?
What’s more, the government says the tax helps pay for children’s health care expenses. How touching. Why don’t they urge for a video game tax? They are at least somewhat responsible for kids being fat and stupid.
Of course, that might make too much sense and not enough cents and prove that the notion of a sin tax is more than half-lit.
