At Least We Still Have Cheap Cigarettes

[ness]

How is obesity and type 2 diabetes heavily taxed? There are those who believe it's the number one health villian at this time and rapidly moving to younger children.

I didn't say diseases like diabetes are taxed!

Alcohol causes a lot of problems, and is taxed pretty heavily, requires a license to sell, etc.

[stlfisher]

I'd say make those that make unhealthy healthcare decisions pay more in health insurance premiums. The kicker is it has to be a choice. I am not out to punish those that get ill by luck of the draw...only those that make an unhealthy choice. Simply put do what you want, but you pay for your unhealthy choices in higher premiums.

I am tired of giving my money to peope who can't balance a budget and seem not to care. It is irresponsible and frightening that as a country we seem ok with that.

[fishinwrench]

One thing that I notice is missing from this discussion is the acknowledgment that this whole "smoking is WRONG" thing is newer than you're giving it credit for. You act like everyone was just born knowing that smoking was a lethal killer.

Anyone remember what year it was that smoking and tobacco ads were pulled from the general publics eyes and ears?

Hell, Ward cleaver, Captain Kangaroo, and even Santa Claus all had a pipe sticking out of their face the whole time I was growing up.

S#!t fire man, Smoking was just something you we're supposed to do as soon as you were slick enough to steal one from the ol'man without getting caught. So if you gotta blame someone then blame the freaking media.

[lee G.]

Couldnt agree more, at one time they advertised it was good for you, and the doctors said nothing, lol.

[Chief Grey Bear]

I'd say make those that make unhealthy healthcare decisions pay more in health insurance premiums. The kicker is it has to be a choice. I am not out to punish those that get ill by luck of the draw...only those that make an unhealthy choice. Simply put do what you want, but you pay for your unhealthy choices in higher premiums.

I am tired of giving my money to peoIpe who can't balance a budget and seem not to care. It is irresponsible and frightening that as a country we seem ok with that.

That sounds great! Until you realize that every person that eats out is making an unhealthy choice. But like they are saying right here, it is better to tax the few to pay for all, then to tax all to pay for all.

[Jerry Rapp]

that is classic FW! thanks for the memories.

[fishinwrench]

Not to mention that right around the same time tobacco became a no-no "they" started announcing that everything else your gonna come in contact with today could potentially kill you.

Almost overnight we went from "have this, do that, you need it all", to "OMG everything you see and touch is harmful".

Is it really any surprise that so many failed to listen?

BTW, have you heard that 911 was an inside job ?

[Gavin]

Think your on to something FW...the smarmy soccer mom in the for ad just rubbed me wrong. Kinda sick of the hollier than thow types wanting to tell everyone else what to think, or say, or do.

[fishinwrench]

If I die an early death I want it blamed on all the clouds of hairspray I've been forced to walk through, and the fumes from nail polish and hair color because of these women in my house that can't be satisfied with the way they look.

NOT on Marlboro lights.

[Justin Spencer]

In no way do I think people should be sticking their nose where it doesn't belong either. I voted against outlawing cigs in public places when we lived in Florida even though I didn't enjoy smoky bars or restaurants, but I felt it should be up to the owners to do what they felt was best for their business.

It is typical of some groups to say despite the research that things aren't really as bad for you as they say. Past generations didn't have the knowledge we have so you can't blame them, if you have smoked in the last 20 years you know for a fact it is going to shorten your life, no doubt about it, unless you die first of some sort of accident. It is going to give you emphysema, a heart attack, or cancer and everyone gets to pay extra in insurance premiums because of your choice. I am fine with you having the choice but as a good republican I think you should have to pay your own way, not force the rest of the country to support you.