Obama?s recession remedy: Tax the poor!

[retrospooty]

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons

Originally posted by: Genx87
Heh tax it enough and it goes underground. I guess that would be a boon to the police state prohibitionists though. Another black market to expand our police forces to contain.

Maybe it's time to legalize marijuana then, and tax it $10/pack?

Let the dopers cover the insurance program, take billions away from the crime lords and gangs, and save hundreds of millions in police, court and prison expenses.

I have advocated this for years.

ME too... Drugs are expensive as hell, because of the risks involved by the importers. Make it legal, and they are dirt cheap. Then tax it to death and pay off our national debt. ITs very simple. We just need to get rid of the false notion that keeping drugs illegal, reduces drug use... Because it doesnt. It just costs us money and lives to enfoce, fills up our jails, and makes criminals rich... The sad thing is through all that, it reduces drug use absolutely zero... If you want drugs and have a little money, you will have drugs, anywhere in this country.

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: funboy6942

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Jaskalas

We?re about to get a 150% tax increase on cigarettes by the looks of it. Which, as pointed out, will directly tax working class Americans. Interesting choice of targets for this new tax, wouldn?t you say so? It?s acceptable to tax people doing something ?immoral?, am I right?

Who are the morality police now? If Dems don?t want you to do something, they?ll up the price of it so only the rich can afford it. You know, rich people like themselves. They can afford this tax, can?t you also afford it?

Now perhaps you?d like to root for the S-CHIP extension that this will pay for, no doubt it will do some good, but raising taxes on the poor is an interesting way to get this done.

Tell me P&N, do you support H.R.2, will this be a tax on you, or is this only a tax on other people so you couldn?t care less? I don?t smoke, never have and never will, but I can see how this could take money out of the pockets of people who need it.

If they "need" to smoke then thay can pay the tax.

Pretty simple

Oh and where is option for this is Tax on the stupid and weak?

OK but if their need to smoke is cut off and taken away because they can no longer afford to buy them, what good does this tax hike do, or the next one after it because there are less smokers, and then the next one ofter that because they raise the tax again forcing more people to quit? You cant get money off people who quit, and the more they go up in cost, the more that will quit, and thats more money they will lose. The more the keep raising the price, the more that will be forced to quit, and the tax hike is a losing battle they will never be able to catch up, for the more they charge, the more that will just give up and quit, not for their health, or yours, but because they cant afford it.

How about we tax those who drive electric or hybrid cars? Because they are using them its forcing the power plants to make up the power to charge them suckers spewing more co2 into the air, or making more nuclear waste, then if they just bought a Honda with almost zero emissions. What are they saving, gas? The power plants dont run on sunshine and rainbows, so they got to power up what ever it is your charging up to drive. So we can charge them more tax for forcing the power plants to spew more into the air. I mean come on, if they can afford a $30-$80K electric car, they sure as hell can afford more tax on them then the poor of smokes, thats just going to quit smoking anyway, and wow, really got those extra funds from a quitter, for instead of making a extra 40 cents per person, your losing $4+ a pack or more per day

I mean
"Ok people were going to go up in price, were going to charge you $5.50 a pack of smokes, to help pay for the childrens health care"

"Fuck that, I cant afford it, I quit."

"Ok people, were now going to have to charge you all $6.00 a pack for Childrens health cost, and because more people quit smoking for some reason we cant seem to figure out."

"Fuck that even more, now I quit."

"Alright people, were not really sure why this is failing, but were going to have to charge $7.75 cents a pack, because people hate kids, and love to make Jesus cry, but to make up for all them who quit, we need to ask this price for the smokes."

Now even the rich people say"
"FUCK YOU, I quit too!"

See it wont even end, and they will never get the money they are thinking they are going for, most of you feel this is a great idea. If the poor are that, just that stupid, then lower the prices of the smokes, more of them will take it up, because according to you all they are that dumb, and then they can make more money off taxes because they will triple the smokers for they can really afford to buy them! And most of you win, because then the poor will just die from the causes of smoking. You cant have it both ways here, ask them to quit for your health, but want them to smoke so they pay the extra taxes, but they cant do that because it costs to much, which means they will quit and live longer, which is something else you do not want them to do, for you want them all to die and get out of your life and way.

MAKE UP YOUR FUCKING MINDS PLEASE, IM GOING INSANE!

Wow

A couple of things.

Looks like obviously you are a smoker and you may not be able to afford your addiction with the new taxes. Good

Once you are weaned off the addiction your government will find a new way to get the shortfall in revenue out of you.

Yes, I USED to smoke, I dont no more, but Im not one of these ex-smokers who is all freaked out and have to tell others now that I quit so should they, or ask them not to smoke around me, or have their rights taken from them. What a smoker wants to do is smoke then by all means they should be allowed to, because I sure as shit wouldnt want anyone to come to me and take stuff I like to do away from me because they feel it is unnecessary in their eyes, or harms them in some way that in one study says its bad, but yet in another it says its fine, at which point who the fuck do you believe?

I think Hybrid cars are a waste of money for they may be good now, but give it a couple years, when the warranty is gone and it breaks down and you cant afford to get it fixed so its thrown in the junk yard, and its batteries start leaking, or the poor get it before it breaks but the moment it breaks they have to junk it because the cost to fix something like that is through the roof. But I dont go around saying how bad a Hybrid or an electric car really is and try to pry it from people for they seem to like it, gives them a feeling of they are doing good, and its something they like, and their right to chooses to drive it if they want.

And I didnt quit smoking for my health, my health is the shit and will be over soon, yes some of you can start jumping up and down for joy and celebrate, I liked to smoke, especially on the days Im home alone, and cant even get up to take a piss or get something to eat because Im super hungry or wigging out because my blood sugar is too low, I kinda liked to light up one or two to relax me in a way, but again I didnt quit for my health. I made a deal with my wife that if I were to quit for her and the kids, that my money would go into buying me lottery tickets, in another hope that before I should die I may win it to make sure my wife and kids are set before I die. The day after I win the lottery I think I be ok to finally let go knowing my wife and kids wont have to worry no more. Yes its a long shot, but you dont know me and my luck, and if something can happen to me bad it will. Winning the lottery for me would be bad, with a good outcome, and Im willing to put my life on the line to take the bad and die, and get out of their hair and way, to know that because of me passing they were set for life and then some, so with my luck the way it is, Im sure it wil happen, and thats the reason why I quit. Its crazy thinking, but Im a fucked in the head kinda guy, if most of you havent figured that out by now.

So, piss off and eat peanuts!

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: retrospooty

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons

Originally posted by: Genx87
Heh tax it enough and it goes underground. I guess that would be a boon to the police state prohibitionists though. Another black market to expand our police forces to contain.

Maybe it's time to legalize marijuana then, and tax it $10/pack?

Let the dopers cover the insurance program, take billions away from the crime lords and gangs, and save hundreds of millions in police, court and prison expenses.

I have advocated this for years.

ME too... Drugs are expensive as hell, because of the risks involved by the importers. Make it legal, and they are dirt cheap. Then tax it to death and pay off our national debt. ITs very simple. We just need to get rid of the false notion that keeping drugs illegal, reduces drug use... Because it doesnt. It just costs us money and lives to enfoce, fills up our jails, and makes criminals rich... The sad thing is through all that, it reduces drug use absolutely zero... If you want drugs and have a little money, you will have drugs, anywhere in this country.

Ironically one of the presmises of the drug war is the kids. Where is one of the easiest places to get drugs? Within our public school system sold by kids. The drug war is an illogical mess when you think about it. A bunch of do gooders who couldnt find their own asshole with a giant mirror.

 

[Doc Savage Fan]

Originally posted by: funboy6942
And I didnt quit smoking for my health, my health is the shit and will be over soon, yes some of you can start jumping up and down for joy and celebrate, I liked to smoke, especially on the days Im home alone, and cant even get up to take a piss or get something to eat because Im super hungry or wigging out because my blood sugar is too low, I kinda liked to light up one or two to relax me in a way, but again I didnt quit for my health. I made a deal with my wife that if I were to quit for her and the kids, that my money would go into buying me lottery tickets, in another hope that before I should die I may win it to make sure my wife and kids are set before I die. The day after I win the lottery I think I be ok to finally let go knowing my wife and kids wont have to worry no more. Yes its a long shot, but you dont know me and my luck, and if something can happen to me bad it will. Winning the lottery for me would be bad, with a good outcome, and Im willing to put my life on the line to take the bad and die, and get out of their hair and way, to know that because of me passing they were set for life and then some, so with my luck the way it is, Im sure it wil happen, and thats the reason why I quit. Its crazy thinking, but Im a fucked in the head kinda guy, if most of you havent figured that out by now.

My heart goes out to you man. I know where you're coming from because I've been there myself. I lucked out and made it...hope you do to. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers for sure. Take care.
(Edit:Formating)

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: frostedflakes

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: frostedflakes

Originally posted by: Carmen813
You are all forgetting Obama smokes!

Heh, yeah I forgot about that. Maybe now he will finally quit.

Well, based on some posts by certain hard core Obama supporters in this thread, 'Smokers are morons' (or stupid take your pick of the posts). Thanks for being excited that, by their definition, we just elected another moron.

Just keep in mind that I wasn't one of those people passing judgement onto the smokers.

I know you weren't. I just think it's sad that we have certain people in this thread who, in any other thread, basically worship Obama. However, in this thread he would be considered an idiot/moron by the very same people because that's how they see all smokers.

It shows he has weakness. He is human and shits just like you and I do.

So for him it's a weakness but for anyone else they are just a moron, dumbass, idiot, etc. I see no double standard here. Move along.

Who said anything about a double standard?

Yes, he is an asshole on smoking. Does that mean he is an asshole on everything?

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: funboy6942

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

If they "need" to smoke then thay can pay the tax.

Pretty simple

Oh and where is option for this is Tax on the stupid and weak?

Wow

A couple of things.

Looks like obviously you are a smoker and you may not be able to afford your addiction with the new taxes. Good

Once you are weaned off the addiction your government will find a new way to get the shortfall in revenue out of you.

Yes, I USED to smoke, I dont no more, but Im not one of these ex-smokers who is all freaked out and have to tell others now that I quit so should they, or ask them not to smoke around me, or have their rights taken from them. What a smoker wants to do is smoke then by all means they should be allowed to, because I sure as shit wouldnt want anyone to come to me and take stuff I like to do away from me because they feel it is unnecessary in their eyes, or harms them in some way that in one study says its bad, but yet in another it says its fine, at which point who the fuck do you believe?

I think Hybrid cars are a waste of money for they may be good now, but give it a couple years, when the warranty is gone and it breaks down and you cant afford to get it fixed so its thrown in the junk yard, and its batteries start leaking, or the poor get it before it breaks but the moment it breaks they have to junk it because the cost to fix something like that is through the roof. But I dont go around saying how bad a Hybrid or an electric car really is and try to pry it from people for they seem to like it, gives them a feeling of they are doing good, and its something they like, and their right to chooses to drive it if they want.

And I didnt quit smoking for my health, my health is the shit and will be over soon, yes some of you can start jumping up and down for joy and celebrate, I liked to smoke, especially on the days Im home alone, and cant even get up to take a piss or get something to eat because Im super hungry or wigging out because my blood sugar is too low, I kinda liked to light up one or two to relax me in a way, but again I didnt quit for my health. I made a deal with my wife that if I were to quit for her and the kids, that my money would go into buying me lottery tickets, in another hope that before I should die I may win it to make sure my wife and kids are set before I die. The day after I win the lottery I think I be ok to finally let go knowing my wife and kids wont have to worry no more. Yes its a long shot, but you dont know me and my luck, and if something can happen to me bad it will. Winning the lottery for me would be bad, with a good outcome, and Im willing to put my life on the line to take the bad and die, and get out of their hair and way, to know that because of me passing they were set for life and then some, so with my luck the way it is, Im sure it wil happen, and thats the reason why I quit. Its crazy thinking, but Im a fucked in the head kinda guy, if most of you havent figured that out by now.

So, piss off and eat peanuts![/quote]

Sorry about your dying soon.

The smoking didn't contribute to why you are dying though???

If you are dying soon and liked the smoking then why not smoke? Because of the cost?

You're all over the place with hate for hybrids. You think we should be 100% dependent on sand thugs for energy?

 

[Liet]

I think it is absolutely incredible how many posters feel it is appropriate for the government to levy a tax on unhealthy behavior. Where is the tax on car exhaust and paint fumes?

It's a damned vice tax. Vice taxes are inherently immoral. It is NOT acceptable for a government to attempt to mandate behavior through taxation.

I live in NYC - taxes FAR exceed the cost of healthcare for second-hand smokers. Even if they didn't... I was a considerate smoker and only smoked at home, or outside when no one was around? Why is it fair for me to be taxed?

The posters supporting vice taxes because they disapprove of the taxed behavior disgust me.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: frostedflakes

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: frostedflakes

Originally posted by: Carmen813
You are all forgetting Obama smokes!

Heh, yeah I forgot about that. Maybe now he will finally quit.

Well, based on some posts by certain hard core Obama supporters in this thread, 'Smokers are morons' (or stupid take your pick of the posts). Thanks for being excited that, by their definition, we just elected another moron.

Just keep in mind that I wasn't one of those people passing judgement onto the smokers.

I know you weren't. I just think it's sad that we have certain people in this thread who, in any other thread, basically worship Obama. However, in this thread he would be considered an idiot/moron by the very same people because that's how they see all smokers.

It shows he has weakness. He is human and shits just like you and I do.

So for him it's a weakness but for anyone else they are just a moron, dumbass, idiot, etc. I see no double standard here. Move along.

Who said anything about a double standard?

Yes, he is an asshole on smoking. Does that mean he is an asshole on everything?

Hey man I'm just taking the words written in this thread by the hardcore and applying it to the hero of change. My assumption upon reading "anyone who smokes is stupid" means that the writer belives the person who smokes is actually stupid because they are doing something they know can kill them and those around them. I don't share those opinions but hey, like I said, you can't talk out of both sides of your mouth, have your cake and eat it too, etc.

Like I said I think their opinions are idiotic and by the way I voted for Obama so I am not slamming him. He's a grown man and can do what he wants to. But hey, notice that none of the posters are defending themselves here because they know they can't.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Liet
I think it is absolutely incredible how many posters feel it is appropriate for the government to levy a tax on unhealthy behavior. Where is the tax on car exhaust and paint fumes?

It's a damned vice tax. Vice taxes are inherently immoral. It is NOT acceptable for a government to attempt to mandate behavior through taxation.

I live in NYC - taxes FAR exceed the cost of healthcare for second-hand smokers. Even if they didn't... I was a considerate smoker and only smoked at home, or outside when no one was around? Why is it fair for me to be taxed?

The posters supporting vice taxes because they disapprove of the taxed behavior disgust me.

Awwwwwww somebody call the waaaabulance

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Liet
I think it is absolutely incredible how many posters feel it is appropriate for the government to levy a tax on unhealthy behavior. Where is the tax on car exhaust and paint fumes?

It's a damned vice tax. Vice taxes are inherently immoral. It is NOT acceptable for a government to attempt to mandate behavior through taxation.

I live in NYC - taxes FAR exceed the cost of healthcare for second-hand smokers. Even if they didn't... I was a considerate smoker and only smoked at home, or outside when no one was around? Why is it fair for me to be taxed?

The posters supporting vice taxes because they disapprove of the taxed behavior disgust me.

What about us posters who support this tax, smoke, and do not plan to quit? What do you think of them?

 

[Fingolfin269]

Originally posted by: Xavier434

Originally posted by: Liet
I think it is absolutely incredible how many posters feel it is appropriate for the government to levy a tax on unhealthy behavior. Where is the tax on car exhaust and paint fumes?

It's a damned vice tax. Vice taxes are inherently immoral. It is NOT acceptable for a government to attempt to mandate behavior through taxation.

I live in NYC - taxes FAR exceed the cost of healthcare for second-hand smokers. Even if they didn't... I was a considerate smoker and only smoked at home, or outside when no one was around? Why is it fair for me to be taxed?

The posters supporting vice taxes because they disapprove of the taxed behavior disgust me.

What about us posters who support this tax, smoke, and do not plan to quit? What do you think of them?

I think anyone who supports any new tax, especially one proposed in a major economic downturn, is crazy... but that's just me.

 

[SMOGZINN]

Originally posted by: Xavier434

Originally posted by: Liet
I think it is absolutely incredible how many posters feel it is appropriate for the government to levy a tax on unhealthy behavior. Where is the tax on car exhaust and paint fumes?

It's a damned vice tax. Vice taxes are inherently immoral. It is NOT acceptable for a government to attempt to mandate behavior through taxation.

I live in NYC - taxes FAR exceed the cost of healthcare for second-hand smokers. Even if they didn't... I was a considerate smoker and only smoked at home, or outside when no one was around? Why is it fair for me to be taxed?

The posters supporting vice taxes because they disapprove of the taxed behavior disgust me.

What about us posters who support this tax, smoke, and do not plan to quit? What do you think of them?

I would say that they are voting their way into a new age of slavery and be done with them.

 

[Liet]

Originally posted by: Xavier434
What about us posters who support this tax, smoke, and do not plan to quit? What do you think of them?

If you support it because you've done the math, and realize your state does not tax enough to offset the healthcare costs of smoking, then fine.

If you support it because you feel "smoking is bad!" and you believe the government is justified in mandating behavior in your life, then you're a fool and disgust me. I hope to see you demonstrating in the street lobbying for punitive taxes on car exhaust, paint fumes, diesel fumes, and people not wearing sunscreen at the beach.

Fair enough?

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
I think anyone who supports any new tax, especially one proposed in a major economic downturn, is crazy... but that's just me.

&

Originally posted by: SMOGZINN
I would say that they are voting their way into a new age of slavery and be done with them.

I think both of you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. If you are a pack a day smoker then this new tax reduces your income by $1 per day. To each individual tax payer, this should not be nothing. It is especially ridiculous to claim it as one step closer to an age of slavery. :laugh:

Besides, those with less money are ultimately going to be paying less taxes if Obama stays true to his word. This increase will not have a noticeable negative impact on anyone.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Originally posted by: Xavier434

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
I think anyone who supports any new tax, especially one proposed in a major economic downturn, is crazy... but that's just me.

&

Originally posted by: SMOGZINN
I would say that they are voting their way into a new age of slavery and be done with them.

I think both of you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. If you are a pack a day smoker then this new tax reduces your income by $1 per day. To each individual tax payer, this should not be nothing. It is especially ridiculous to claim it as one step closer to an age of slavery. :laugh:

Besides, those with less money are ultimately going to be paying less taxes if Obama stays true to his word. This increase will not have a noticeable negative impact on anyone.

Shrug I'm just a believe that the government wastes the hell out of our money and taxing us more is not the answer to their spending problems. This is just one tax that reduces your income by $365/yr if a pack a day smoker. What about the next 'little' tax and the next 'little' tax? They need to learn to manage the money we give them now and stop nickel and diming people to death.

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Liet

Originally posted by: Xavier434
What about us posters who support this tax, smoke, and do not plan to quit? What do you think of them?

If you support it because you've done the math, and realize your state does not tax enough to offset the healthcare costs of smoking, then fine.

If you support it because you feel "smoking is bad!" and you believe the government is justified in mandating behavior in your life, then you're a fool and disgust me. I hope to see you demonstrating in the street lobbying for punitive taxes on car exhaust, paint fumes, diesel fumes, and people not wearing sunscreen at the beach.

Fair enough?

Well, I am close to what you find acceptable. I support it because I want to see more money go towards these programs and I realize that money has to come from somewhere. I smoke so obviously I don't think it is a bad thing. I just don't care that I happen to be one of the people that will be paying for it.

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: Xavier434

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
I think anyone who supports any new tax, especially one proposed in a major economic downturn, is crazy... but that's just me.

&

Originally posted by: SMOGZINN
I would say that they are voting their way into a new age of slavery and be done with them.

I think both of you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. If you are a pack a day smoker then this new tax reduces your income by $1 per day. To each individual tax payer, this should not be nothing. It is especially ridiculous to claim it as one step closer to an age of slavery. :laugh:

Besides, those with less money are ultimately going to be paying less taxes if Obama stays true to his word. This increase will not have a noticeable negative impact on anyone.

Shrug I'm just a believe that the government wastes the hell out of our money and taxing us more is not the answer to their spending problems. This is just one tax that reduces your income by $365/yr if a pack a day smoker. What about the next 'little' tax and the next 'little' tax? They need to learn to manage the money we give them now and stop nickel and diming people to death.

What they are spending it on this time is not a waste at all imo.

When it comes to the taxes in the future, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it but it is stupid to tie in those kinds of "what ifs" with this tax. They are not in any way related other than the fact that they are taxes which is something that will always exist. New taxes will always be created. Old taxes will always be shifted to new programs. Old programs will go away or be transformed into new ones. Etc etc etc.

You don't have to like it, but I do recommend you get used to it if you plan to stay here. It's not going anywhere.

 

[Jaskalas]

Originally posted by: Xavier434
Well, I am close to what you find acceptable. I support it because I want to see more money go towards these programs and I realize that money has to come from somewhere. I smoke so obviously I don't think it is a bad thing. I just don't care that I happen to be one of the people that will be paying for it.

Why shouldn't this money come from rich people instead?

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Jaskalas

Originally posted by: Xavier434
Well, I am close to what you find acceptable. I support it because I want to see more money go towards these programs and I realize that money has to come from somewhere. I smoke so obviously I don't think it is a bad thing. I just don't care that I happen to be one of the people that will be paying for it.

Why shouldn't this money come from rich people instead?

Dunno. Why should it?

What you are really trying to ask me is why I believe smokers should be taxed instead of subgroup XXXX. The answer to that question is I don't know and I don't really care. It is such a small tax going towards what I consider a great cause that I am willing to pay for it without argument and I don't care that other smokers have titty fits over it because I know it will not impact their lives in a noticeable way. That plus you have this huge thing against people taxing the rich for pretty much any reason and think we are going to transform to some radical communist nation as a result. That is why you asked me about rich people instead of say the tobacco companies or something. It is quite the extremist point of view and I don't really understand it.


*EDIT*

I should further explain that the reason why I say "I don't know" is because I fully understand the hypocritical idea revolving around taxing cigarettes as opposed to taxing fast food and other unhealthy behaviors. Despite that, the idea of taxing smokes more for state health insurance for kids even though I am a smoker just doesn't bother me.

 

[Liet]

I was about to ask what programs you were referring to...

I agree Xavier, child healthcare programs deserve to be supported, and I propose we tax only those who drive non-hybrid cars. I think $1 a day is fine, so each one will be donating $365 a year.

You don't have a problem with that, right? I mean, it's only one little dollar a day, they can clearly afford it if they're willing to spend so much on gas!

 

[BoberFett]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Liet
I think it is absolutely incredible how many posters feel it is appropriate for the government to levy a tax on unhealthy behavior. Where is the tax on car exhaust and paint fumes?

It's a damned vice tax. Vice taxes are inherently immoral. It is NOT acceptable for a government to attempt to mandate behavior through taxation.

I live in NYC - taxes FAR exceed the cost of healthcare for second-hand smokers. Even if they didn't... I was a considerate smoker and only smoked at home, or outside when no one was around? Why is it fair for me to be taxed?

The posters supporting vice taxes because they disapprove of the taxed behavior disgust me.

Awwwwwww somebody call the waaaabulance

If stupidity were taxed you'd be the top taxpayer in the country Dave.

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Liet
I think it is absolutely incredible how many posters feel it is appropriate for the government to levy a tax on unhealthy behavior. Where is the tax on car exhaust and paint fumes?

It's a damned vice tax. Vice taxes are inherently immoral. It is NOT acceptable for a government to attempt to mandate behavior through taxation.

I live in NYC - taxes FAR exceed the cost of healthcare for second-hand smokers. Even if they didn't... I was a considerate smoker and only smoked at home, or outside when no one was around? Why is it fair for me to be taxed?

The posters supporting vice taxes because they disapprove of the taxed behavior disgust me.

Awwwwwww somebody call the waaaabulance

If stupidity were taxed you'd be the top taxpayer in the country Dave.

lol

First person ever to pay 110% tax rate.

 

[blahblah99]

If you smoke you have no one to blame but yourself for any effects that may cause, whether it's health, financial, or societal.

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Liet
I was about to ask what programs you were referring to...

I agree Xavier, child healthcare programs deserve to be supported, and I propose we tax only those who drive non-hybrid cars. I think $1 a day is fine, so each one will be donating $365 a year.

You don't have a problem with that, right? I mean, it's only one little dollar a day, they can clearly afford it if they're willing to spend so much on gas!

I understand your point, but it is a lot easier for people to control whether or not they get taxed with this smokers thing than it is for everyone to transition to a hybrid car due to finances. This is a tax that people have a lot of control over whether or not they have to pay it. It is giving you the opportunity to be healthier, save money, and avoid a tax all at the same time. Likewise, it will also increase tax revenue for a well deserved program. Is it perfect? No, but I am ok with that. Is it much better than usual? You betcha.

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: Jaskalas

Originally posted by: Xavier434
Well, I am close to what you find acceptable. I support it because I want to see more money go towards these programs and I realize that money has to come from somewhere. I smoke so obviously I don't think it is a bad thing. I just don't care that I happen to be one of the people that will be paying for it.

Why shouldn't this money come from rich people instead?

Because the primary sector of the population that doesnt have insurance, or is underinsured, and therefore is the biggest drain on rising health care costs is the poor. They should contribute SOMETHING since their habit will end up costing them in the long run.