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After reading all the blogs: Mr & Mrs B-might be little thin skinned.

Is that politally correct?

My day, it meant, don't let it get to ya.

If people want to smoke they will.

If they don't they won't.

End of story.

Much to do bout nothing.

I am definately attempting to quit smoking because now it is costing me entirely TOOOOOOO much cash! AND I'm not of my mouth tasting bad all the time...geez i must brush my teeth like four times a day!

It's about inclusion, what America is supposed to be about, you know the 'Melting Pot', not about prejudice. You push for long enough and people will push back. The number of Agnostics/Atheists/Deists are growing as information becomes more readily available, which could be another case for the evolution of man.

I remember the good ol' days when the only thing folks griped about was how Christians were always pushing their religion down everyone's throat.

Nowadays, we got the new Politically Correct agenda that has taken forceful social mandates to such an extreme that I really wish we could go back to Jerry Falwell's moral majority.

Talk about hypocrites. Those who, for years railed against Christians as judgemental, have now taken the helm and are far more zealous, intrusive, and judgemental than ever. Now if I spank, smoke, pray, wear a rebel flag, hire a straight person over a gay person, defend my country by speaking against terrorism, etc. I am evil.

Wow. This new system is just about... anti-everything.

Yeah... have a cigarette... just don't impose it on others. But, for God's sake, give me some freedom back.

I stopped smoking not only for the price, but for my health and my childrens health. Why doesnt the government try to control people on welfare from having MORE KIDS. This is an issue that drives me insane. I'm not on welfare, I work full time. I pay for daycare on my own. I think if you are on welfare, 2 should be the limit on kids. Then you have 1 year to get off your lazy behind and get a job just like everyone else. The government has made it too easy for people to just sit around and get free money.

If we are good Christians, good parents, etc. We should not have to continue to convince other's. The way we live our lives should be a reflection of ourselves.

tax people for have children if this is going for child health care. i do not have children and do not want any. so why should i pay for them if i were to smoke?

they need to tax cell phone usage, after all every one seem to have one attached to their ear. people can not get off a phone long enough to check out at a store. and then get mad when something did not ring up right because they were not paying attention to someone taking their money, but that is another topic, TAX CEL PHONE USAGE! THAT WOULD GET THE COUNTRY OUT OF DEBT IN A HURRY.

LUVDOGS....if you consume alcohol in your car you would be breaking the law unless you are a political official.
THE TAX SHOULD BE STRAIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD ON SOMETHING EVERYONE USES LIKE FOOD. not on a select group that creates an unfair burden with no benefit from the tax.

RE:flutterby-How this got turned into a spanking debate was the fact that b/c I stand up for my beliefs (whether right or wrong in others eyes) I get called/accused of being a bad parent.It's laughable. I figured while someone was putting down my parenting skills I would give them some more ammo-(eg) that I raised 3 healthy,wonderful & loving children w/o ever laying a hand on them. I DID take the responses personally,mainly b/c they were either aimed @ me or referred to me.I had no intentions of getting off the topic @ hand.So I do apologize for hanging a left on a straight lane road.As I've said in other posts-I'm just like you & everyone else that blogs-I feel its my freedom to have my voice heard as well. It seems that some people choose to criticize me no matter what I've said.Mostly,as I said-I get put down b/c I believe in God,I am a CHRISTAIN,and I will NOT say I'm sorry-b/c I'm not ;o) I know I'm a very good person,there's only 1 person I have to answer to.But I felt compelled to remark on the blog to make myself understood moreso.Thank you for your time!

I agree. Tax alcohol at the same rate as cigarettes. Restrict alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking to your own homes and cars. Be considerate of others. Don't drink and proceed to drive and possibly kill someone. Don't smoke around others and force the possibility of cancer and/or heart disease on people who don't smoke. Ban both in all public places and tax their purchase as high as possible. Yes, I used to smoke - 30 years ago and I quit. Yes, I take an occasional drink, but you know what - that is in my home. Lung cancer and other lung damages from cigaretts should not be forced on those of us who are smoke free. You smokers STINK and your car and house do too. I have a family member on oxygen 24/7 from cigarettes but still smokes. I guess if death doesn't scare you, nothing will. Just don't give us that same chance to die you are imposing on yourselves. Freedom does have limits when hazardous to others as well.

Again--The non-smokers are not aking the smokers to quit !!!!

We are just stating that since we have to share the same air,the same public places, be considerate of your follow man. If you want to smoke in your car, your home, that is your choice. Just be considerate when in public.

flutterby you took the words right out of my mouth.

An article about quitting smoking turns into a "non-spanking" discussion? These blogs never cease to amaze me!
I am anti-spanking, anti-smoking, anti-idiots!

Aww thanks totb,you are ever so kind.
I'll accept my title of stupid if every other single person on here who blogs accepts it as well.That's a bit childish,sorry to say-but it is.
I see mainly people complaining online in general.I'm sick of being bashed b/c I LOVE GOD! I will NOT appologize for believing in God.
You all can believe what you choose. Afterall this IS America. My family faught for the rights of all-for the freedom we all love so much today. The freedoms people take afvantage of daily. I'm extremely thankful for those who faught,for those who prayed and those who believed in themselves as well as God.
Thank you for your time.
Blessings to all.
Time for me to WORK. I hafta keep workin' my hindend off to support all those who don't. ( doesn't feel very nice does it? See why I don't attack?!?)
Hey Josh-THANK YOU for fighting the war we are in-I hope that w/ the baby coming you won't re-inlist. That lil girl will need her Daddy & Mommy both!

Mr. and Mrs. B - if soooo many people are telling you something, they might be right...


mine was a generalized joke.... just my thoughts on where this nation is going....


Maybe if America in general would wake the heck up, accept some personal responsibility, and realize you don't need a cadilac and 10 bedroom house to live in, we would be in better shape.

It's flat out disgusting.

Ok-so not only am I bad parent according to several bloggers,but now I'm stupid according to TOTB,or@ least not as smart as him?Wow-I didn't realize these were so personal.I try to generalize my comments.Ido,however, appologize when someone brings it to my attention that I have in some manner offened them.I'm pretty dog-gone sure that I've not offended others,not called them out by name,ect.EXCEPT on the "sexual&child-abuse" cases.I get put down for being a PROUD Bonne Terrian,a super PROUD Mommy of 3,a PROUD Christain(yes, I AM opinionated-just like every other single free minded/free speaking person on earth.Being a christain does NOT mean I am FORCED into loving everyone,nor biting my tongue when I see/feel something wrong-I am HUMAN-I'm NOT an ape,tyvm!)I sit here amazed @ some of the comments-including my own.I see that sometimes I've spoken prior to thinking it out.Put my foot in my mouth-so to speak.But I still stand behind all my beliefs.I will still say hello to you in public,say God Bless you when you sneeze in public and keep smoking so long as it pleases me.Here's something else to get your Goat-We've raised out God loving children WITHOUT EVER spanking them.*waits for hate blogs now*

PoliSci - what happens to your little "plan" for healthcare after too many people quit smoking and drinking because they either don't want to spend the money, or don't have the money to spend?

Then how will we pay for this "nationalized" health care??? Wait, then EVERYONE'S TAXES will be raised...

Once they do this in a few years, then everyone will be paying more taxes to cover insurance/welfare for those that don't have a job that provides...

I also can't wait to see how many businesses that currently offer insurance will review the costs of offering vs. letting employees go to the "paid for" national system and drop their private coverage, which will greatly increase the cost to the taxpayers..

This is socialism at it's finest people.. if you want to live in a socialist state, please move to Europe...

I live in America, work for a living and my insurance, and if you are too lazy to get up off the couch and get a job, you don't deserve anything.

While I enjoy my pipe or a good cigar. I smoke them outdoors and rarely.

What gets me is when I go into a nicer restaurant and have to smell the lung/smoke/breath of someone who cannot go thirty minutes without a cigarette. Why go to a nice restaurant and order a meal, if you can't taste it.

My remedy is to walk past the smoker two or three times and each time exercise my right to expel flatulence around their table.

TOTB did not change his tune - he is smarter than all of you and realizes what is coming... Obama courying the likes of Iran's president, Chaves in Venezuala... big government that is growing daily, misguided numbers regarding guns in the news, the lack of ammunition on the shelves in the gun shops..

One must conform or you will end up in trouble in the future... Socialism will be nice compared to where we are heading....

Don't worry.. your health insurance and welfare will be taken care of... for those that choose to smoke and drink and shoot guns, you will be taxed ten times your salary...


Wake up America before it's too late...


As to the smoking issue, I quit for health and $$$ reasons.. I knew it was bad for me, I just truly enjoyed smoking.

I miss it, but I'm $3300 a year richer for it.. and feel better..

Smoke if you want... it's your money.

Work starts Tuesday on the nation's new healthcare plan that will have private plans co-existing with a public plan on a slide scale to offset costs for small businesses and those who make under 80k a year. I know smokers, and people who drink aren't going to like it but the taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, and sugary beverages will be raised to help pay for something we've needed for a long time. Right now, those with privatized insurance are paying inflated rates because those who aren't insured are forced into emergency room visits driving up rates for everyone. The majority of Democrats and Republicans seem to be united in this effort and are set to offset costs by making the system more efficient, spending cuts, having doctors be paid for quality not quantity, and by reigning in costs from the uninsured. The public plan is a price control against the ever inflating rates of privatized insurance, and since both styles of insurance co-exist it keeps us away from a nationwide system. The bill is set to hit the House floor for voting around June, no later than August, and both parties are set to introduce plans for debate.

it is funny to read how people defend their smoking addictions.it cracks me up when people say they enjoy smoking. that's because they forgot how life was without cigarettes. they forgot how much easier it is to breath. they've forgot how much better food taste and flowers smell. i did the same thing. Congrat TOTB on quitting. keep it up. i quit 23 years ago. smoking was cheap then. I was in the army and paid $6 carton. i can't imagine paying almost that much for a pack now. i suggest that you smokers google barb tarbox and read her story. it may put smoking in a different light for you.

PolySci..

EXACTLY my point..thank you.
Why not impose an enormous outrageous new tax on alcohol? Are there no drunk drivers? Are there no wife beaters fueled by ETOH? How many people are killed every year in alcohol-induced incidents..Oh, wait a minute..that number is HIGHER than any possible exaggeration of the ill-effects of second-hand smoke..

What do you think would be a fair tax on alcohol then, in order to FORCE Americans to quit that horrid filthy dangerous-to-themselves-and-others habit?
Beer raised to $40 a six pack? A bottle of whiskey at ..I don't know..maybe $75?
A single drink at a bar needs to be at least $15..

The reason that cigarettes were targeted is that the government tried that anti-alcohol idea once before..people were kind of "upset"..organized crime had a field day and guess what? Nobody stopped drinking..

The do-gooders have started with cigarettes, will continue with fast foods, and eventually get back to alchohol.."Ziech Heil.."..hey,our government is only here to help us..right?

Well Granny, when a habit, that is a health hazard, infringes upon the rights of another it needs to be squelched. Just like drinking and driving you can kill someone with your automobile I don't want to be killed by cancer from secondhand smoke.

OK.so lets just ban smoking, fast foods, soda, alcohol, reduce the speed limit to 25 MPH and require that everyone wear a helmet at all times. We should have unannounced police raids in our homes to ensure that we are all living in a healthy manner approved by the state.

Those not in compliance will be gathered up and shipped off to "Diversity camps" until they see the light..

If it was good enough for Red China, it's good enough for us.

I wish people would focus more anger on the rich tobacco companies than the addicted smokers. I am a smoker & I'm for shutting them all down, just quit making them period!

Mr and Mrs B--When I gave up smoking it was a trying time. The habit and the graving was bigger than me. I put my faith in the Lord for strength and help. I feel it was by the Grace of God that I beat the habit.

Mr&MrsB

You know what really gets my "goat" is parents like you that talk so much of being a good parent and loving your children so much. A really good parent wouldn't make their children watch them slowly kill themselves, which is exactly what every person that smokes is doing. Just think about your kids, how do you think it would affect them if next week you went to the doctor and found out you had some sort of cancer linked to smoking? Then just think that they would have to watch you suffer through all your treatments and surgeries or whatever you would have to do if you did have cancer? I pray that nothing like that ever happens to you but I also pray that you would consider quitting for your children, as well as for every other smoker defending themselves on here.

Wow. TOTB sure changed his tune.

I never said smoking is the same as a drug abuser--I said it is as addictive as someone that uses drugs.

Please let me state this--YOU may be born with cancer cell and if this makes you feel better about justifying your smoking that is your choice. BUT you are not born with EMPHYSEMA--it is a life alterating lung condition. I know I suffer from it and it is all due to smoking my beloved Marlboro's for 30 years. I argued the same as you when my children begged me to quit. I found anything I could to justify my smoking habit until the health problems became acute and I could no longer deny the damage I was causing my body. I am not critizing you it is your body,your health. But when the health problems hit WADERS will not help.

I would like to clarify something.
My children are teenagers, I don't smoke in any room except my bedroom. In which the kids aren't allowed to be in. There's no reason for children to be in their parents bedroom.
Also-as a smoker,I too, get mad when I see a pregnant woman smoking-that child is defenseless & innocent. The other thing that truly gets my goat is those who don't work and smoke/drink/use drugs.I'm tired of paying for other people's habits! It's bad enough that working my hind-end off to pay for the governments vices, I also pay for those who live off of welfare. That includes, medicaid,welfare,hud, all benefits.(I'm sure I've stepped on millions of toes now)
Again, I do NOT want my children to smoke,but I see MANY more bad ADDICTIONS they can have. And as said before, I pray that my children don't pick up that 1st cigarette. It is an addiction-I've admitted that part. But stop ragin' on me b/c I smoke. Get mad about the state of the world, the children being abused, the women being mistreated. I DO have respect for others.I don't smoke in other's homes'. I'm one of the few,but I'm here!

Some studies have shown in teens/early 20's that cigarettes are a gateway drug to marijuana use. Personally, a vice is a vice whether one is illegal or not. Just because one society puts a stigma on one thing or another doesn't make the effects of one lesser than the other. Drugs are drugs... People who smoke cigarettes or drink and call these marijuana arrests 'dopers' are being quite the hypocrites. The only difference is Phillip Morris had better lobbyists and in Congress. Ulysses S. Grant used to smoke up to 20 opium soaked cigars a day when he was President. It's all a matter of perspective and a society as to what they deem as accepted behavior.

Mr. and Mrs. B - while one might be "born" withc cancer cells, smoking definatly adds to the risk of dying of lung cancer.. what is it.. 1/2 million people a year die directly from smoking?

As a recently changed to ex-smoker - it's sick, disgusting, expensive, and smells like @#$@#.

It amazed me when I smoked, I never noticed the smell on other people.. but now that it's been a month, smokers flat out STINK.

I'm richer, feel better, and don't stink... hmmmm doubt I'll be smoking ever again....

Besides.. Uncle Sam gets WAY too much of my money in taxes already....

I was so sad yesterday as I overhead a man in a check-out line telling the clerk he was 55 and smoked. He said his doctor told him he had to quit or he wouldn't live to see 70. This poor guy said he had hoped he wouldn't even live to be this old. He was expecting his cigarettes to have killed him by now. How very sad.

But I feel even more sad for little kids who are sent to school stinking of the smoke from Mom and/or her live-in boyfriend or a step-dad. I wish the adults would stop being so selfish when it comes to smoking around their children.

Yes, it IS a drug in the sense that it's addictive.Same as gambling,drinking,ect.However-I do NOT equate my pack of Marlboro's to a joint,a crack pipe,a needle ect.I DO feel I am in a totally different class than those other drugs.Also, I would much rather my children smoke (yes I said that!) than ever even think about touching a joint,or any other ILLEGAL drugs.
Many people use "cancer" as a defense of why others shouldn't smoke.Again I will say this-you are BORN w/ cancer cells, same as diabetes, brown hair, blue eyes, tan skin.You can't change that.So those of you IMPLYING that I will DIE of CANCER-Back off! TYVM ;o)
I do NOT condone my children smoking,they see me doing it and they tell me it's gross.I DO let them know it's a HUGE mistake and I pray that they won't do it.I'm pretty sure that I've done a wonderful job raising my kids,I do beleive that since my husband & myself don't drink or use drugs,my children have a better chance @ life and not doing these things themselves.
Keep slinging the mud,I've got my waders on.
God Bless !

Nicotine is a drug--it causes an addiction. You can say what you want, you smoke because you are addicted. To quit forces your body to go through withdrawal the same as a drug abuser. I am a ex-smoker. It was not easy to quit.But I can assure you if you chose to continue to smoke one thing is sure to happen, #1--if you live long enough you will suffer health problems that are all associated with smoking that will slow down good productive life activity, or health problems that are terminal. I suffer from health issue that are associated with smoking. I just hope that I quit in time to eliminate further health problems.

Well said Mr&Mrs B, and bumbdrummer, I enjoy my Marlboro as well, and I also agree with the obesity problem and no one is going after the Big Mac, or Budweiser! And the majority of the restraunts are nonsmoking! If you can't find a restraunt with a non smoking section you have issues! I for one am a smoker and I generally do not smoke in restraunts!

Mr & Mrs B said: "I do NOT use DRUGS"

According to Biopsychaitry.com "Whilst tobacco is certainly a stimulant, in sufficient quantities (such as those used traditionally by American Indians) it can have what, for all intents and purposes, may be called hallucinogenic properties."

According to American Council on Drug Education (acde.org): "Nicotine, the main drug in tobacco, is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the United States."

Two fairly reliable sources say you do use drugs.

I can appreciate the fact that people can choose to smoke. Go for it, you know the eventual consequences if you do. But these laws are to protect those who don't want to inhale that garbage. Smoke all you want, just don't do it around me.

I am glad you volunteer in your community and all that, but it's funny. On Dog the Bounty Hunter (maybe not the best source) a man got arrested. His girlfriend and mother to his 2 kids had no diapers, no formula, just "gas in my car and three packs of cigarettes." That my be my only problem with the cost going up.

I couldn't be more happier with the hike in tobacco products.Heck they should outlaw them completely.I don't approve of drinking either,but I have seen my share of driving mishaps with smokers.My mother-in-law swerved in the road badly just because she dropped her cigarette,nearly caused an accident.My biggest peeve is people with kids,taking them to a doctor because of asthma or whatever, but yet drag them out of a vehicle filled with smoke from not rolling down a freakin window.And like missouri granny wrote about the ones that deny kids food for their stupid habits.If God intended for us to smoke He would of let us breathe out smoke naturally.

Nicotine is a drug.

I enjoy my Marloboro's. I hate paying the price,but it's cheaper than therapy!!!!
I'm sick of being condemed for smoking. I do NOT use DRUGS,I do NOT drink, I raise my blessings(aka children),I volunteer w/my community, I vote, pay taxes, I am woman-hear me roar. I want my Marlboro-so back off!
I've yet to read a story in the newspaper where someone was smoking a cigarette,ran over the double lines and killed a family of 4. Yet, how often do we see that headline,yet it was "only a few beers officer"?
Yah-I was allowed to put my $0.02 worth in here.
GOD BLESS AMERICA !
Besides, isn't my money helping to pay for all those w/o insurance? prisons?police?the president? Huh????
Now,shut up & leave me and my Marlboro's ALONE. I don't get in your face about your 1980's hair style or clothing choices!

I Kicked the habit about 17 yrs. ago, no regrets, just wished I had done it sooner. I don't/won't lecture smokers. I have seen many die a tragic, prolonged painful death due to smoking. Many are fine for 30-40 yrs. then the effects are there and it is too late. Smokers could use that cigarette money later for the healthcare they will need. BUT, I do not want to smell your smoke, you pay for them, smoke away from me; I chose to give it up. I have survived cancer of another kind, and don't want anymore damage from smoke than I already have placed on myself after 25 yrs of 2 packs a day. Think about it. Smokers, we are selfish, aren't we " I don't care what they say, I am going to smoke", etc.
You know what I mean.
Have a lovely day!

bumpdrummer--me sitting in MacDonald choking down a big mac only hurts my health, you sitting beside me puffing on a cigarette is a health hazard for both of us.

I smoked a pack and a half for 30+ years. I quit cold turkey a decade ago. I had no idea of how bad I smelled when I smoked. Yuck! I choose not to go to businesses that allow smoking, my choice. I do not allow smoking in my home. Family and friends that smoke take it outside. If people want to smoke, that is their choice. As long as they stay away from me. I actually heard a parent in a local store tell the kids they couldn't afford cereal for them, but then they went to the cigarette check out and bought a carton of cigs.

I don't do this often, but I have to agree with ToTB.

It is a personal choice to quit,either for cost or health issues.
The issue that upsets me, is priority--Don't cry and moan because you can't afford health care for your family, but you can spend $200-$300 dollars a month for cigarettes. Based on TOTB's calculation $3285 can buy a lot of health insurance.

I am not a smoker nor can I be around anyone who is smoking because of health reasons and my intolerance to smoke, BUT, I do not agree with this ridiculous tax. It is just another step by BIG BROTHER to single out a particular group of people and punish them. We as a nation have sat back on our duff's and allowed this power grabbing group in Washington to impose yet another hardship on the people.
It will not stop here! If they want tax money so bad, why not enforce the laws already on the books and collect the back income tax from the dead beats in office. PEOPLE wake up, they got by with this, the next will be a FAT tax on junk food cause we are unhealthy, a recreation tax cause we spend too much time on four wheelers, boats, in a hammock, etc. They have increased the sewer tax in cities, next we will be paying an eating tax, poop tax, drinking tax and an air tax to pay for breathing and a gas relief tax cause we pollute and deplete the ozone.

bumbdrummer - this insurance it's supposed to pay for is for children not for welfare recepients. You might want to research something before making yourself look like the north end of a southbound donkey.

I quit smoking along with my wife in the past month... if anyone has done the math on how much one will save... figure this.. Marlboros at 4.50/pack. 2 packs a day (1 for me and 1 for her) is $9.00.

$9.00 x 365 days = $3285.00

That's 3 grand back in our pockets... new deck on the house this year instead of smoking.


I did quit.. and now that I have, I cannot believe how bad smokers stink. It will never be allowed on my property, in my house, or my cars again.

The main problem I see with this besides the idea of an extra tax is that when it doesn't work, they will tax something else. The stated reason is to get people to quit. The money goes to fund healthcare. If the stated reason would actually pan out and everyone quit, something else would have to be taxed to make up for the difference. You can never just look at what they say the reason is and get the true answer. Control is the answer. Control of healthcare, control of our lives. All of us will be paying for Canadian style healthcare soon because the "sin" taxes will just not do it.

Cannabis is California's biggest cash crop. Taxing and legalizing marijuana could generate a whole new set of taxes.

If non-smokers are getting half my smoke, then I suppose they owe me $ 1.50, thats half of what my cigarettes cost. Don't make me pay for health care that I will never benefit from. If people on welfare want health insurance, GET A JOB THAT OFFERS IT !!

bt_marine:

I used to smoke because I like it also. Then I had throat cancer, and I only smoked for 7 years. I'm 23. Trust me, you don't want to go through what I have the past year of my life, I feel like such a FOOL for ever lighting that first one. QUIT!! Its easier then feeding yourself through a tube in your nose, or breathing through a hole in your neck.

bumpddrummer wrote: As far as the non smokers right to clean air, if my cigarette smoke bothers you, then walk away, simple answer to a situation that has been truly blown out of proportion. If second hand smokers want to gripe about the smoke, they should try paying at least 3 bucks a pack for doing something they enjoy. First off breathing is a natural function to continue a life, it is not natural for me to have to breath your second hand smoke. How would you like it if you were in a restaurant sitting behind me and i decided to pass a little gas (that's even natural) or better yet wait til I get up and stop at your table and do it. Pretty inconsiderate huh? See i can control that as well as you can by not wafting your smoke in a public area. As far as taxing the whole thing, it is unfair to you guys, they need to tax equally because they are going to find big tobacco companies going down next.

My issue with this situation is that the smokers are always responsible for cleaning up the deficit issues caused by incompetent Presidents. Smokers should be able to enjoy a cigarette with the same peace of mind as the fatty choking down another Big Mac. Maybe if we placed that tax on the fast food industry, less people would be killing themselves with sub-standard nutrition hence leading to less of a need for healthcare in the US. As far as the non smokers right to clean air, if my cigarette smoke bothers you, then walk away, simple answer to a situation that has been truly blown out of proportion. If second hand smokers want to gripe about the smoke, they should try paying at least 3 bucks a pack for doing something they enjoy. In closing, tax the folks that can afford it, like McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King,etc.. and let us poor smokers enjoy the one thing in life we can still enjoy.

The prices are so ridiculous, I don't see how this is going to help health care expenses...bc more and more people are quiting! I personally know my father in law has quit and husband is quitting! I do not see how this could even be legal!

Whatever happened to "The Land of the Free" That's what this nation was built on. Yet we now get told to wear our seatbelts, (which I do because of safety reasons) where to smoke, ect... the hike in cigs is to make us quit smoking. Smoking should be our own choice!!! And hike in pricing is just stupid!!!!

my oppion only: I do not smoke personaly, but i know people who do, and say they enjoy it. i've heard the dangers of smoking all of my life but still have had plenty of chances of starting myself, but never did. now my oppion is this: for a person who has been smoking for years upon years are not going to just quit "cold turkey." and for someone who just started smoking. had a reason to start, and the high prices are not a good enough reason to do so. they will get them someway-somehow. in order to quit a certain habit you might have. you have to want to do so. not what someone else says or does. have a God day!

I will not be giving up cigarette smoking just because the government has opted to penalize me for my own adult decisions.

For those of you who do not smoke and are saying to yourselves. "Filthy habit ! I don't care if they raise the price to $50/pack." remember this when the government decides that "for your own good" it will raise the price of fast-food burgers and fries to coerce YOU into a government-approved healthy diet.

Whatever do you think would happen if they levied an outrageous tax on alcohol, making the cost of beer $50/six pack? If you allow things such as this to occur, you'll be next.
Beware the slippery slope of a "nanny" government.

The cigarette tax infuriates me but does not surprise me.

Those that passed the law are well know for their alcohol consumption. They certainly would not vote in a tax that would hurt their pocketbook.

I would most certainly have someone smoking and driving than drinking and driving. Makes no sense to me. Why not tax BOTH and reap even more revenue for the government!

I smoke just as much now as I used to and I don't plan to quit anytime soon. I smoke because I like it. I hear the government is trying to get people to quit smoking by raising the prices. That's insane! That's like trying to stop people from driving so much by raising the gas prices. The people that HAVE to drive won't stop driving, they will just go broke instead. People that have been smoking for years aren't going to quit just because the price went up. We find other things to cut to afford the outrageous prices. People that can't afford it aren't going to quit smoking cigarettes either, they will quit buying cigarettes. People will still smoke one way or another.

My husband and I have smoked for over a decade. The price increase will not stop this particular vice. I appreciate what Congress was trying to do with increasing the tax on cigarettes to try to fund a universal child health care plan, however wouldn't a tax on alcohol have done the same thing? Why isn't alcohol, which damages nearly as many (if not more) people than nicotine, vilified in the media and press? Why doesn't Uncle Sam work on taxing that vice? This nation was founded by a bunch of rich tobacco farmers...how is it one of our original cash crops is now looked upon as an evil that must be eliminated?

Pssst...Styree it was Obama and congress that rasied the price of cigarettes. I for one am glad they did, I finally kicked the habit.
As for the Gas, I am sure his recent vist to the G20 and his Bow to the King of Saudi will lower the prices.

I am very upset with the price of Cigarettes in the past few months.I smoke Sonoma's and the have went from $17.00 plus tax to $30.00 plus tax since Feburary 2009.
I don't understand these companys that have raised prices on everything and most of us have been laid-off from our jobs and make alot less on unemployment and can't afford to pay these high prices.
Gas has gone up in the last month and Oil is still $57.00 a Barrel and gas is back up around $1.97 a gallon. Why can't Obama put a cap on the raising gas prices like Bush did so the local stores can't keep raising and lowering gas prices every other day.