PLEASE tell me it aint so...I dont smoke and I didnt vote for him..I find one tastes bad and the other is distasteful..If he wasnt picking on the smokers he would be hitting on another consumer good like milk products..its a no win..same as giving a meager $250 stimulus to older folks and then cutting their paychecks not once but twice..hes a real peach that one..

Can we impeach a peach..

Little sympathy will be found among nonsmokers, many of whom feel that  nicotine addiction merits no more sympathy than any other drug addiction, especially those who have watched friends or loved ones suffer agonizing death resulting from the deadly habit.

Hiking the price of tobacco with consumption taxes doesn't kill cigarette smokers but continued use of tobacco products might.

The highly addictive properties of nicotine use are often likened to heroin.

The deadly effects of nicotine consumption are well documented.

Many smokers have quit as the price of tobacco products rose beyond their willingness to pay.

That's a good thing.

How about a boycott of tobacco?

Smoke no cigarettes and pay no tobacco taxes.

If all smokers got the monkey off their back, many lungs would be saved.

Cigarette smoking is like playing Russian Roulette.

You never know which one will start the cancer, emphysema, heart disease or other deadly malady.

good idea Saber then he could move on to taxing our babies for the milk they drink..he wants money..dont you get it??

They are hitting the smokers because of people who believe like you do so it isnt such a bad tax in alot of people eyes..geezz the old addage... people who try to appear overly intelligent usually have no common sense sure rings true here...

I'll drink to that...now to go out in the patio and fire up a smoke and read the paper before I have to go to CBCC...

Wait until alcohol and soda is hit with higher taxes. Obama needs income to cover his agenda.

If taxes go up on soda and wine, I'll pay the higher taxes.  I'm more interested in seeing income taxes go up on folks making $250,000 a year or more, though. 

I'd also love to see Obama impose a federal tax on legalized cannabis.

If taxes go up on soda and wine, I'll pay the higher taxes.  I'm more interested in seeing income taxes go up on folks making $250,000 a year or more, though.  

Those that don't pay taxes think we should have higher taxes.  Those that do pay taxes think we are paying too much.  RF apparently doesn't pay enough taxes and thinks we ought to happily pay higher taxes.  What do you have against people that are successful?  Why do you justify that it is okay for those making higher income to pay more taxes than what they already pay?  Where is the logic in this?  Would you be happy if everybody just became lazy and became dependents of the government like you?  Your statement is a good crying rally for communism. Let's punish those that actually put some effort into their lives - how dare they be successful.

As for smoking, goverment can't afford people to quit.  Remember when the campaign was to 'further cancer research'?  Guess what?  Just like all taxes, good intentions are over ruled by greed.

Those that don't pay taxes think we should have higher taxes. 

I pay taxes and think they should be higher on many people, quite possibly including me.  Warren Buffett agress with me.

.

Why do you justify that it is okay for those making higher income to pay more taxes than what they already pay?

Because they were the ones whose unjustified tax cut got us into the hole in the first place.  Obama is proposing going back to the hideous tax structure that was in place during that horrible time known as the 1990's.  You remember that "long national nightmare of peace and prosperity"?

It's called a "progressive income tax."  It makes for a healthy economy when it's done right. 

If it helps any, think of it as pruning for growth.

.

As for smoking, goverment can't afford people to quit. 

Government would save quite a bit more money than the losses in tax revenue would cut.  Smoking influences the #1, 2, 3, and 4 causes of death in America.

Those who scream bloody murder over MJ being illegal and then complain about people smoking cigarettes are being a teensy bit hypocritical.  Both are harmful physically and yet one does not alter perception while the other does. 

Is it really about health or is it about money?

For the government to subsidize tobacco growers then raise taxes on it saying it might help people quit?   Nawww...that dog won't hunt. 

Does anyone else see the twisted thinking on this?

Your young~ a politician says things,then circumstances change and,when the politician is bright,he changes his stance on an issue.

This ain't my first rodeo~the process gets easier,your "outrage" gets less and less and your shiny bright ideals get a dose of reality. You will live.

"Those who scream bloody murder over MJ being illegal and then complain about people smoking cigarettes are being a teensy bit hypocritical"

Really ... ? I don't  know anyone who has died from smoking marijuana.

Cigarettes are a health hazard. And people die from smoking them - it's true!

Hypocritical is a simple  word which doesn't take much to understand how to use correctly. Try again, Nancy.

--virgil

Smoking is not a necessity - you choose to do so.  Plain and simple. Therefore, to argue that this tax is targeting the lower class and thereby going against Obama's plan is incorrect.  He spoke plainly in stating that the taxes that everyone normally pays would not be raised - income, capital gains, etc.  No matter what you do, as a U.S. citizen, you will pay certain taxes - those are the ones which Obama referred to.  However, if you willingly choose to purchase specific non-essential goods, it's fair game IMO.

Yeah, I'm about ready to quit.  I've had enough.  I guess those First Five kids will just have to shift for themselves, and California and the Federal gov't will just have to do without my taxation without representation from now on. 

And since I've been paying my unfair share of taxes for years, now it's OTHER people's turns.  I want extra taxes on :

Off-road vehicles, just because I think they're noisy and create dirt and dust and I don't like them, but for the record I'll say it's because they're dangerous to people's health.  Uh, and the environment. 

Trucks over 6' tall, because I can't see over them in my little car and I just simply don't like them.  For the record I'll say it's because they're...uh...gas guzzlers.

American Idol, because everyone seems to like it but me, and because I think it's irritating and noisy.  And a vapid, soap-opera waste of time that could be better spent doing something else.  $5 per American Idol viewing.

There--that's a good start.  Once everyone else catches up with me on my unfair tax-paying, I'll be satisfied.  In the meantime, I'm going to quit smoking and let the gov't find another cash cow to pester to death.

In the back door, sneaking around the corner..all ends up in the same place.  People paying more taxes...period.

virgil, I don't know anyone who died from smoking cigarettes either.  My Mom was a life long smoker and died from complications of lung cancer.  She was also in the area of Utah where there was believed to have been health effects of hydrogen bomb testing.  Would she have not developed cancer if not  a smoker or in a radiation area?  I don't know.  Neither do the doctors or the scientists.  As usual my point is lost..or maybe I wasn't clear enough.  Either way I knew it was an exercise in futility when I posted it.

By the way...I DO know the meaning of hypocrisy, I see it here on the blog all the time but thanks for attempting a linguistic lesson.

FSG, if that's the case then raise taxes on EVERYTHING..including taxing unprepared food.  Some states already do that but lets make it across the board... that way it's a fair tax on EVERYONE since we all eat.  Why target just one segment?

Tax ice cream, chips, cookies, candy, after all none of those are necessities and it's a choice people make.

Siouz says: "good idea Saber then he could move on to taxing our babies for the milk they drink..he wants money..dont you get it?? They are hitting the smokers because of people who believe like you do so it isnt such a bad tax in alot of people eyes..geezz the old addage... people who try to appear overly intelligent usually have no common sense sure rings true here..."

Duh, even us who only "appear" intelligent but have "no common sense" understand that revenue must be raised by the government in order to pay the bills.

We haven't yet thought of taxing babies' milk, though. Good idea.

Duh, how would we tax mother's breast milk?

I'll see that American Idol viewing and raise you $10.  What a zombie show~ waits for the barrage of Idol fans hate...LOL

Hypocrisy is a oft used word around here...as is calling sarcasm....when it is just differing viewpoints dueling.

"virgil, I don't know anyone who died from smoking cigarettes either."

But, Nancy.  You know they do die from smoking ( cigarettes ).

 "thanks for attempting a linguistic lesson."

You're welcome.

--virgil

virgil, I don't know anyone who died from smoking cigarettes either. 

I do.  Both parents.  I never got to meet my late wife's mother, who *ALSO* died from smoking.

.

For the government to subsidize tobacco growers then raise taxes on it saying it might help people quit?

I'm all for removing tobacco subsidies.  Of course, that would *DECREASE* the amount of money going to the federal government, but what can you do? 

Lets forget about what they are taxing and remember that they are taxing. Obama's motive are not a pure as everyone wants to believe. He has pushed this ridiculous agenda of his since his first day in office. All he has done is created a debt from which this country can never get out from under. The democrat answer is to raise taxes and raise them where they will get the least amount of push back. I do NOT agree with the government raising taxes simply because they can spend the money we already give them with in reasonable means. If I ran my home they way they run the government I would be out on the street. I say not only call for his impeachment but call for cutting all these politicians salaries so they have to live like the rest of us Americans. We don't need to pay these people over 200k a year to spend our money...They should get a dose of reality starting at the top... We don't need tax hikes we need spending control and in the right way...Do not cut teachers cut politicians....Teacher salary...maybe 60k a year...politician 175k to 300 or 400k....lets get rid of a few politicians and save a whole bunch of teachers...COMMON SENSE has been lost from this country.....Sorry for the rant but I felt it was appropriate in this discussion.

well....what a great inspiration to quit smoking.....

I wonder how many nicotine habits are FUNDED by taxpayer money??

soda, imo is just as bad as nicotine...with ungodly amounts of sugar...ever notice there is no recommended daily allowance of sugar?  hmmmm

one 12 oz can of soda has almost 40g of sugar.  there are dieticians out there that recommend no more than 15-20 g of sugar for non diabetics per day, and NONE for diabetics.

I have come to the conclusion, with my studies and personal knowledge of health, diet and exercise...that sugar is worse for you than saturated fat...again, just MY opinion.

i wouldnt mind a hike on sodas....maybe help the poor kids quit drinking it

I wonder how many nicotine habits are FUNDED by taxpayer money??

Those involving the "patch" or the nicotine gum and covered under publicly-funded health insurance.

American Idol...NO---Billy Idol...YES--" Nice Day For A White Wedding "---OK..I'm outta here..time for ' meds ' and CBCC appt...AFTER I swing by the cigarette shop for a can of Burglar..rolling machine..and zig-zags...

Do you have any idea how much smokes costs now...

Duh, how would we tax mother's breast milk?

 Some boob will find a way.

darth~That is rich after the last 8 years. Where have you been? :-)

I used to go to the show with .50~ and got candy and a soda. Today you need a couple of $20's.

Agreed that our priorities are completly out of whack in regards to what teachers get compared to politicians.

By the way--I don't mind if 'The Big O' breaks a promise or two....for the last 8 years--we had an administration that couldn't tell the truth to save their souls---WHAT AMIGO..never been lied to...I'm SHOCKED

LOL !!

--virgil

I agree, Sage.  A pox on 'em!  Let's face it--the tobacco taxes were passed by non-smokers who don't like cigarette smoke.  Weeeell, I don't like A LOT of things that other people like, and I want all of it TAXED!!!

Yeah, I'm cranky today, and I'll throw down with any American Idol fan I want!  Bring it on!  LOL!

Sage: Loved the Rodeo comment, and I will raise you $20 and give you Big Brother..

I would pay taxes on soda and wine , I am on a diet so bread , pasta, chips, sodas are out for me so tax., away

Obama said there would be taxes, thats what I heard him say,

soda, imo is just as bad as nicotine...with ungodly amounts of sugar...ever notice there is no recommended daily allowance of sugar?

True.  And I don't drink any soda with sugar (or, more correctly, HFCS) in it.  And it should be kept off school campuses.

Now, I used to keep sugar soda around for emergencies--but I mean true medical emergencies.

.

Obama's statement at the head of this post clearly means that his *INCOME TAX* proposals would not raise taxes on anyone under $250,000.  And they won't.

Darth, what do you think Obama's impure motive is?

 Soda's are bad.

They make me want to spank my children after they've had one - bouncy kids.

--virgil

The interesting thing about admitting this is the implications. If politically liberal people are happy to admit one of the effects of taxing something is we’ll see less of it, to remain consistent they must admit that this applies to all the things they want to tax. Statists want to tax productivity, investment, employers, trade, and work. So to say “We should raise capital gains made on investment and savings” is equal to saying “We should reduce capital gains made on investment and savings.” Simply change the words.

“This legislation also wisely increases taxes on employers to encourage employers to quit providing employment” – Medical News Today (parody)

Geez, this guy needs a big dose of the real world.

Two thirds of the people in the top 1% income bracket never worked for their money. They either divorced for it, or more commonly, inherited it.

Zero productivity, but lots of capital gains.

They could take the capital and start a productive business enterprise. Oh, but wait, that would require work ethic, skill, and an appetite for risk...never mind.

Tell ya what Axiomtek, give your employer a break, and live up to your personal view.

Tell your employer that you now want to pay your entire FICA tax yourself.

The poor guy is paying half of it for you out of his profits. That tax is for your benefit, not his.

Don’t ya think it’s very Liberal of you to expect someone to take care of you out of their own profits?

Just wondering.

Statists want to tax productivity, investment, employers, trade, and work.

Nope.  Just income.   And yes, you'll get less income if income taxes go up.  The theory--and it works--is that you'll get offsetting advantages too.

But it puts a whole new spin on the Republican opposition to the "death tax," don't it?  "Pro-life" my heiney.

If fat people paid an "Obesity Tax" we could balance the budget and pay off the deficit.

They would begin to eat less and the demand for cheeseburgers, fries and ice cream would eventually be reduced, making good food cheaper for skinny people.

While we're at it, why not an ice cream tax?

Excluding Spumoni and Butter Pecan, of course.

With the Obesity Tax inducing the overweight to become healthier, the burden on the healthcare industry would also be eased.

@ Floridastategrad

You choose to do a lot of things.  Drinking water is one of those things.  No one is telling you to live or die, but this isn't about life or death, is it?  It's about having the maximum number of choices in life that don't impede on others' choices.  Raising the tax on ciggarettes is an unnecessary decrease of freedom.

Donmason, Axiomtek doesn't have an employer.  Perhaps you should stop spewing false ad hominem counters so that you can debate what is real and what matters.

My name is sage and I am adicted to Coke. Coca Cola that is.  But tax away,NP for me to pay extra to have my sugar needs met.

Still think any stinking "reality show" viewers should be taxed really,really high....talk about bad for you....

randomfactor, income is made by doing something prodoctive.

Saber, I beat you to it

"Tax ice cream, chips, cookies, candy, after all none of those are necessities and it's a choice people make."

Along with Butter Pecan add Heavenly Hash.  MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

And that income is then taxed.  That doesn't mean there's less productivity--the productivity is already accomplished when the income is generated.

Now, if the tax were at 100 percent of income, yes, that would tend to make a dent in it. 

Income is also made by doing nonproductive things--like winning the lottery.  And *THAT* income is taxed.

And what happens the next time around, randomfactor?

Do people behave the same now that they know the govt gets to break the rules of incentives?

No, they adopt different behaviors, and they either cheat, or don't play at all.

If you were playing poker with a buddy, and he was cheating, you would either cheat too or stop playing.  Most people do the latter.  And when they realize the other guy can use a gun, They really start to lose hope in the game of Poker.

Saound familiar?

Nancy, we finally agree on something.

And darn you for reminding me that Heavenly Hash is *ALSO* non-Atkins-friendly.

Nancy, Ben and Jerry are criminals pandering to the obese.

People have probably died from Chunky Monkey and Cherries Garcia overdoses.

Tax those turkeys heavily.

Hagendaas, too!

Oh but Random...it's so...so...sooo heavenly!

Unfortunately for me it goes straight to the middle where it's non-jeans friendly.

And what happens the next time around, randomfactor?

The next time around?  The next time I earn (or get without earning) income I pay taxes on that too.  

Arthur Laffer (of the cocktail-napkin "curve") got it wrong because he made one unwarranted assumption.  He made the same argument you are, that increasing taxes decreases investment, or productivity, or labor, or some such.  His assumption was that we were at a point on the "curve" where that would happen.  We weren't. 

Fortunately, we've got history to show us the way.   Reagan lowered taxes.  The economy got worse.  He raised taxes.  It got better. 

Shrub lowered taxes.  The economy got worse (once his bubble burst).  We'll put them back where they were and things will get better again.

There *DOES* exist a place where taxes--a necessary evil--are at an optimum level.  Democrats are *FAR* better at finding that point than Republicans are.

Remember how income taxes were back in the 1950's?  Ah, the Good Old Days.

Errkk..you guys are torturing me.  Cherries Garcia and my wallet clash.  But another not to be missed experience.  I found a way to limit my intake though.  Vons has miniature cups for a dollar.

All I have in the freezer right now is vanilla and I'm having such withdrawals that last night I had a Hostess chocolate cupcake with ice cream on it .  Sigh, necessity is the mother of invention.

NancyII

Tax ice cream

Leave my Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Buns alone darn it!!! LOL

Cinnamon Buns ice cream?  Interesting...  Ok, we'll all have to agree ice cream is NEVER to be taxed.