smokers tax

here we go again

What does gas have to do with cigarettes?

I think he was trying to say that, if taxes can help kick a bad habit, we should tax the hell out of gas. After all, gas is the cause of wars, global warming, and the second-hand inhalation of toxic fumes.

I think gas is in a different category than cigarettes because our economy runs on it, but I see his point.

What does gas have to do with cigarettes?

increasing taxes on gas will reduce the number of cars on the street. This will lead to less pollution and thus reduce respiratory problems?

increasing taxes on gas will reduce the number of cars on the street. This will lead to less pollution and thus reduce respiratory problems?

The connection between the two is still a bit of a stretch. Nobody needs cigarettes, if you tax the shit out of them it's not going to negatively impact the economy, where if you double the price of gas it will definitely hurt the economy.

Sure, reducing the number of cars on the road will positively impact the environment, but it's not realistic. Alternative fuels and increasing fuel efficiency is the most realistic solution.

As for smokers, F 'em. If they're dumb enough to dig themselves an early grave then I have no pity for them no matter how high the prices of cigarettes go.

The connection between the two is still a bit of a stretch. Nobody needs cigarettes, if you tax the shit out of them it's not going to negatively impact the economy, where if you double the price of gas it will definitely hurt the economy.

Sure, reducing the number of cars on the road will positively impact the environment, but it's not realistic. Alternative fuels and increasing fuel efficiency is the most realistic solution.

As for smokers, F 'em. If they're dumb enough to dig themselves an early grave then I have no pity for them no matter how high the prices of cigarettes go.

While I totally agree with you, just to play devil's advocate, would you accept higher taxes on gas to fund research for alternative fuel sources?

The connection between the two is still a bit of a stretch. Nobody needs cigarettes, if you tax the shit out of them it's not going to negatively impact the economy, where if you double the price of gas it will definitely hurt the economy.

Sure, reducing the number of cars on the road will positively impact the environment, but it's not realistic. Alternative fuels and increasing fuel efficiency is the most realistic solution.

As for smokers, F 'em. If they're dumb enough to dig themselves an early grave then I have no pity for them no matter how high the prices of cigarettes go.

My problem with over taxing cigs is from the principled view point. Every time someone in the state legislators wants to raise funds taxing cigs is in the forefront instead improving the overall tax code. I'd like to see how people would really react if the tax rate of alcohol was synchronized with that of cigs.


I remember a while ago we had a lot of people complaining about the increase auto offenses in VA. It's not tax but you can bet your ass the intent of the increase is to fleece people.

My problem with over taxing cigs is from the principled view point. Every time someone in the state legislators wants to raise funds taxing cigs is in the forefront instead improving the overall tax code. I'd like to see how people would really react if the tax rate of alcohol was synchronized with that of cigs.


I remember a while ago we had a lot of people complaining about the increase auto offenses in VA. It's not tax but you can bet your ass the intent of the increase is to fleece people.

Being a drinker, but non-smoker, I would welcome it. Sometimes I need saving from myself. ;)

Honestly, I can't see there being as big of an uproar from drinkers as smokers. Sure, you CAN be addicted to alcohol, but much less people are addicted to where they NEED it much like smokers and cigarettes.

While I totally agree with you, just to play devil's advocate, would you accept higher taxes on gas to fund research for alternative fuel sources?

No, only because the auto industry has the necessary funds and the ability to already have much more fuel efficient cars on the road and they've been dragging their feet for years.

I'm in favor of any sort of "sin tax". Crank up the taxes on everything from booze to cigarettes to gambling. Hell, legalize pot and tax the shit outta that too.

What does gas have to do with cigarettes?
You have said in earlier threads that you believe global warm is real and we need to do something about it. If you think a high tax will curb people from smoking then we must assume that a high tax on gas will curb consumption. If global warming is that big of a consern then it would make sense to have the higher tax to save the planet v/s taxing cigs which would only save smokers.

The other reason I made that point is because people don't have problems with others paying high taxes but when it effects them then they have a problem with the tax and from your past post you made my point.