gossamer axe wrote:
He can get away with it, because the tobacco companies are the devil, and
smokers their minions when you get to court. Smokers have few rights in
modern society, and they are getting pushed to second class status. Note,
I
am not a smoker. I detest smoke filled bars and restaurants, but I fear
what
behavior is next. It also amazes me that the pro-drug legalization crowd
are also some of the biggest anti-tobacco people I have run into. A
paradox
if ever there was one. Me I am very much a libertarian. Bad behavior only
matters when it directly infringes on my rights or my pocket book.
The only problem with supporting the "smokers are 2nd class citizens" is
that if 100% of smokers quit, then there is no more tax revenue and no
scapegoat. We're already seeing society go after people that are overweight
along with talk of a "fat tax". I read that the BMI was lowered as to put
more people in the "overweight" catagory. By the new BMI standards, I am
overweight. Ok, so now we successfully have 100% of the population
smoke-free and skinny, then what? Another prohibition? Will drinkers have
to sneak into a speakeasy to get a beer? Will the music I love be banned
because of "questionable lyrical content" (i.e. the PMRC)?
This little rant wasn't personally directed at Legatus or anyone else on
this list, but if we allow one thing to be taken away (whether you
participate in it or not) then others will follow. Eventually, something
you do will be taken away or taxed beyond affordability.
IMHO
Drifitng even further off topic, there is already a similar thing going
on with gasoline. Cars are getting more efficient, resulting in a lower
quantity of gallons purchased. Since taxes are assessed per gallon,
they are seeing a decrease in revenue there and are looking for ways to
close the gap. Sooner or later we'll either get a flat tax or be taxed
into oblivion.
Brian
--
[email protected]
http://www.kernel-panic.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/kplug-list
