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So the State of Texas just raised cigarette taxes.  I'm paying around $5.99 a pack for the Camel Menthol Lights I smoke, and other standard brands (Camel, Marlboro, etc).  Okay, I can deal with that.  I opposed it.  I'm still opposed to it.  The Federal Government, however, is intending to raise cigarette taxes, on the federa level, up to $1.01 per pack (from $0.32)!  Why is this insane?  Let's look at who it hurts..

Smokers?  Yes, smokers feel the pinch in their wallets.  Fine. Cigarettes are a "luxury item," persay.  As a smoker, I'm not upset about the price hike because of the price being so high...

The government? Yes, the government is raising taxes to fund other things. However, the more taxes increase, the fewer people smoke. The fewer people smoke, the less tax collected.  In all honesty, they're hurting themselves. A tax hike this high could actually cause a significant decrease in the amount of cig tax collected.

The farmers?  Ah yes.  Here is where we get to the meat of the issue.  People like my aunt and uncle, for whom tobacco farming is their livelyhood, will pay the highest price.  The higher the taxes, the fewer people smoke.  The fewer smokers, the lower the buy price of tobacco.  The lower the buy price of tobacco, the harder hit are the farmers. If we keep taxing cigarettes and other tobacco products, there are going to be some farmers who are suddenly out of work.  I know everyone will say "just switch to corn, or other products..."  I wish it was that simple.  Unfortunately, you're talking about having to purchase new equipment, learn different growing techniques, different planting schedules, and so on and so forth.  It gets tough.  Very tough.

Look, cigarette taxes are understandable.. but when they're doing more ultimate harm than good, maybe it's time we re-considered?  Take some time to notify your congressperson and senate leaders on this issue, huh?  If not for smokers, then do it for the farmers.

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