I'm so tired of us smokers being the "bad guys". Do any of you realise how much smokers contribute in Taxes each year to the state? In Illinois, the tax on cigarettes breaks down like this: Total Smoker Cigarette Payments Per year: $1,336,536,690 Per day: $3,659,238 Per hour: $152,468 Per minute: $2,541 Per second: $42.35 http://www.nocigtax.com/tax-facts/state/illinois Now quitcherbitchin' about my smoking; I'm paying for the right to do it, so just shut up!angry Did you know smokers contribute that much money to the state in taxes?
[question posted by myklj999]responses and comments:
I knew that there were heavy taxes on cigarettes in the states, but I had never really thought about how much revenue this produced. I wonder if there are statistics readily available that show the amount of taxes paid on a state by state basis. It would be interesting to see. [MonkOVision]
Thank you so much. That was very thoughtful of you to provide me with this link. People here are so nice. [MonkOVision]
Smoke all you like as long as you don't blow it in my face. I don't mind. [dawnald]
Thank you!!!! Here's a woman with bit of a common sense, lol... I think it all comes down to common courtesy... I do understand some of the non-smoker's complaints & issues but those should be directed towards the "rude people" who can't seem to understand it's rude to blow somke in anybody's faces, smoker or not... I'd be mad if somebody does that to me, & I'm a smoker... Hey, I drink water, too, but I would be really upset if somebody threw water in my face, too...!!! I do see & hear some legitimate complaints from non-smokers but most of the complaints are just common senses... [sk66rc]
OMG! I was just doing some quick, in my head calculations for just me on that subject. I had no earthly idea that much was involved, though. Wow. [thebohemianheart]
Occasionally, little sister. [thebohemianheart]
i agree myk even in germany the same.they are complaining about smokers but the smokers has a big taxes contributershappy [bombshell]
Dude, you are free to kill yourself by willfully breathing toxic fumes as much as you want. When those toxic fumes invade my lungs, THAT is when we have a problem. Your tax dollars won't buy me a new lung. [Taskr36]
You misunderstood. I didn't say they were necessary to survive. What I meant is that they are a necessary part of our society. Our country and my immediate location CAN NOT function without cars and factories. Can "I" live without a car? Sure. I drive my car maybe once a month. Can I survive without automobiles around me? He!l no. how does that food I eat get to the grocery store? How do those clothes I wear get to the clothing store? It's not some guy on horseback delivering it. Can I live without factories? Not in this country. Everything around me, this computer, batteries, my home, my refrigerator, stove, etc. uses parts that came from factories. If I want to eat, that food depended on refrigerators using factory made parts, and likely an automobile to get to me. I need to eat and I can't go out hunting here in South Miami. Sure, some people do, but their targets are tourists and I'm not up for that. If I need food, it's coming from somewhere that used automobiles and factories to make it available. [Taskr36]
I'd rather have you alive than have your money any day, love! [Irishfrndly65]
No....but if I was a smoker it would sure inspire me to quit. blink [savak03]
Sickening isn't it. I live in Georgia and they now want to add $1.00 per pack taxes. That O.K. as I can get them duty/tax free online. I don't care if they are manufactured in Timbuktu they taste the same. [whiteheather39]
I have used this site many times: http://www.123smoke.com/index.php [whiteheather39]
When all the smokers quit or die they will simple raise taxes on everything else to make up the difference. It's like gas tax; they convinced us all to quit driving to conserve fuel and now they're saying that they can't raise the necessary funds to repair bridges and roads and they want to raise the Federal gas tax 10 cents. But what happens when gas prices go back up, which they invariably will? [sndcain36]
Had no idea that much was being paid out..so what the what is all that money going for?..Seems like alot and i see nothing that says where it goes..streets are so bad..people are still homeless and yet they want to raise it again i heard.. [Rosekitty]
Well I can't say that I knew that one. I am a smoker although I am trying to quite because of my children. I agree with you, it is a personal choice and we don't have the right to judge people because of thier choice. I think that as long as smokers follow the law, they shouldn't be bothered. [CRIVAS]
It's really not surprising at all, mykl. Just think of how much money you spend (and I spend) on cigarettes. It's crazy!Add thatup, and those fgures you cited don't look so out of the realm of possibility. I've just cut mine by half and that's good, but not good enough. It's so hard. It's just sofuckin hard, as you probably know. Oh, and I promise, that even after I've quit completely, I will always support smoker's rights. Always. (.........yeah, after I've completely quit...........cry) [novataylor]
Yep, I did know that we contribute more than a fair amount in taxes. Maybe when people walk by me and cough or put their hand over their nose and mouth I should just say "It's your tax dollars hard at work here" lol [fwidman]
That's an insane amoount of money and I had no idea that those amounts exisyted just in taxes! I have one lit up right now and the last puff cost around $84.70 then! shocked [James72]
Hi myklj999, Oh! don't tell me about how much money we spend on taxes, all I know is I enjoy it and I can't stand anyone telling not to smoke, I'll smoke if I want and if they don't like it, they can go else where. Tamara [tamarafireheart]
Wow, I knew my right to smoke was costly and quite a bit of it went to taxes, but I had no idea it was that big of a tax contribution. Plus I'm a considerate smoker (go out of my way so as to not blow smoke into a person's path, not smoke around kids, not smoke around adamant non-smokers), in fact I bend over backwards for non-smokers, yet they still yell at me, and whine and complain and say I should quit, etc etc. It's frustrating, and the saddest thing is they'll never know (don't even get me started on the people who hide your smokes because they think they're doing you a favor ~growls~). Now if only the federal government would legalize marijuana and tax it as much as they do our cigarettes. Maybe we'd have a surplus again. Maybe we could do some good with our country with that surplus. ~looks at the current state of the government~ Then again, maybe not. [JackOLantern]
Plus you have all the jobs farming tobacco, manufacturing cigarettes, etc. all will be lost under new anti-smoking laws. I know we used to be in the top five. I'm sure the new anti-smoking laws changed all of that. The new smoking laws hurt our economy just as bad as $5 gas. [BlueGoblin]
Amen and thank you for saying it! I would also like to make one very important point here. There has NEVER been a single documented case of smoking or second hand smoke causing death! Not one! [laglen]
U r damn right buddy. what a nice word buddy. u r great. plz says those fools "how foolish u r". dont know anything but say anything ppl says them and believe it without any thought. [rezax123]
Thanx Buddy. U r the first Person I ever so who have the ghats to say it. yap man we r paying taxes so we must uses it and nobody can tell us anything. and bad guy. if smoking is bad than shut down all drugs store. all r fool. u r the man bro. thanx [rezax123]
Well, I don't think smokers are "bad guys". I personally don't care if a person lights up if I hang out with them. But it seems to me that what you point out is one of the best reasons to quit. Save some money. By the way, you might also consider that there are financially negative consequences to society as a result of smoking. A recent study estimated that in the US, "smoking-related deaths still costs the nation about $92 billion a year in the form of lost productivity", and "when combined with smoking-related health care costs, which was reported at $75.5 billion in 1998, exceeds $167 billion per year in the United States." So, the contribution in taxes might be offset by this. A news story on the report can be found at http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/medicalnews/a/smokingcosts.htm [Uroborus]
That's a lie. I can't prove it, but since I'm a smoker, it must not be true.whistle Hush now. I had a good discussion going here...lol [myklj999]
You are right, I'm in the UK and they are all against smokers but quite happy to keep putting prices up and get the money!!! I gave up smoking 6 years ago but it doesn't bother me as my hubby smokes, at the end of the day I drink alcohol and thats bad for me so if he wants to smoke go for it!!! I think goverments just have to hve something to moan about, if it wasn't smoking it would be something else, if we listened to people we wouldn't eat or drink half the stuff we do let alone smoke, lifes to short so if you enjoy it do it (within reason of course ha ha!!) [mychattime]
This is side story and it goes like this...yesterday my friend and I were waiting for a bus near a government building and was asked to put our cigs out because we were smoking to close to the building. In the time it took the government employee to tell us not to smoke near the building, several vehicle past by. So I asked to government employee aren't those cars putting more into the air than two guys smoking a cig. He looked stunned at my question then finally said well there is a law that you cant smoke within ten feet of the building. So I asked him, if we physically stayed ten feet away from the building is that going to keep you safe from all this other stuff in the air. All he could do was shake his head and walk back in the building! [benhilo]
I have an issue with people coming up to me to talk, and then they light up, I would prefer that if they want to talk to me, they unlight first:) but honestly, I don't give a rats rear end how much you contribute to taxes. I would also enjoy it if in general you guys kept yourselves healthier so you would stop taking back that money in the form of health care and medicaid. [LilPixelle]
Yes, factory pollution makes us sick and we should all get together to put a stop to it. I'll sign a petitin on that. But what's that got to do with charging taxes for cigarette smoking? Are you saying that factories are allowed to do somthing wrong, so everyone should be allowed to as well? There are other wrongs in the world, so I should be allowed to get away with it also? You either think its wrong to put a burden on the health system or not. Saying "I should be allowed to do it, because they do" just adds to the problem. If someone puts an extra burden on the health system they should pay for it. Smokers should pay for it, and factories should to. [Uroborus]
Preach it brother!!!!!!!!!!! *lights up a cigarette* tell em!!!!!!!! *cough* *hack* *spit* I'm with ya! *wheeze* [Little_Stormy]
ohhh baby yer on fire!! let me blow that out for ya!! *inhalllllllleeeee* *passes out* [Little_Stormy]
Does anyone else find it ironic that back in the 90's, when the Clintons were trying to push "hillary-care" on us, that a good chunk of the funding that was going to pay for it was to come from federal cigarette tax? Even more ironic that in the plan was a heavy emphasis on programs that would help peole quit smoking even if you were sleeping in a costly vintage antique bed in teh Caribbean or somewhere exotic like that. But such is the logic of government, which in itself is a contradiction in terms. [xfahctor]
It isn't self defeating when you consider the purpose of the tax is to pay for the extra bruden put on the health care system by smokers. If you eliminate smoking you do eliminate a tax revenue, but because you eliminated smoking, you don't need as much taxes to pay for health care, since less burden will be put on it. It isn't self-defeating, it simply is a form of "user pays". Less smoking means less use of health care overall, so its ok to loose that section of the tax revenue. Remember that smoking taxes were supposed to pay only a part of the healt care, not all of it. If you elimintae smoking you have less taxes that are collected, but also less cost to pay for in health care. [Uroborus]
let's see........ 30 years paying cigarette taxes....... 25 years paying alcohol taxes....... 30 years paying employment related taxes....... forever paying retail taxes. you would think i would have my "piece of the pie" by now. glare and to all you non-smokers that came to this discussion to b1tch at the smokers......that's not what this discussion was about so BITE ME!!!........i mean us. [sconibear]
On a serious note.. to some people it seems ok to take away someone's right to smoke.. after all it's just a right.. but fail to realize that this edges closer and closer to communism (one right at a time) .. the next right to be gone.. might be one of theirs. [Little_Stormy]
I knew it was high, but didn't realize that it was that high. And it's NOT like every smokes expects the state to pay for their treatment either!!! I find this to be another witch hunt. I keep thinking that this too will just go away as something newer & bigger comes up. I gave up smoking about 15 years ago. My hubby smoked until he died (NOT from smoking). I believe every smoker has the right to smoke. I also believe that every nonsmoker has the right to breathe fresh air. Where is the happy medium??? From the best I can figure out, it will be in the new eCig that gives smokers pleasure & doesn't pollute the air of the nonsmokers. Rude smokers do nothing to help the cause either!!! [LadyMarissa]
I knew that we contributed a lot to our respected states, but I never thought it was this much. Makes me want to look up how much the smokers in Ohio contribute to taxes, I know that it has to be at least what you are paying, if not a little more. Our tax on cigarettes is way high here. Its a mess once you think about it, especially here. We pay the highest portion of the taxes, but we are the most restricted group ever! We can't smoke in restaurants, in bars, in clubs, and they are about to ban smoking outside in public. In a minute we won't be able to smoke on the planet Earth! Gawd, where are the "no taxation without representation" people when you need them??? [drknlvly6781]
yup. and when everyone finally quits smoking because they're becoming so expensive per pack,they'll just pick a new cash cow to bleed. they're already more or less trying to add sin taxes to cars-a lot of states are trying to add a mileage fee per year. [scarlet_woman]
wow and how much does a pack cost there? They cost almost 10$ for a pack here.. and i think more then half is taxes. . I dont b1tch about people smoking unless they are blowing it in my face or the faces of my children. . I used to smoke till 3 years ago. . I'm glad i quit, but I could care less about your health if you dont:P [Sissygrl]
I don't understand why people care so much about what other people do with their lives or what they do with their spare time. Shouldn't we all just be worrying about ourselves and our own lives. I agree with you that non smoker seem to complain a lot about smokers but maybe they're just complaining for the sake of complaining. [jambi462]
Perhaps...or maybe they complain because smoking doesn't effect only the smoker. It affects everyone in paying for health care, even if you pay privately (see previous posts on this thread). Also, if it wasn't for non-smokers complaining, many more people would be breathing second hand smoke. I agree that we should be worrying about our own lives, so I ask, is it fair that a non-smoker should get cancern from braething the second hand smoke from a smoker? That is worrying about their own lives. That's why smoking in many public places is now banned. [Uroborus]
*lights up* Damn right so shut the hell up lol. Hell that much huh, someone bumming a smoke costs way more then a dollar or 25 cents or whatever the hell people charge now lol. [darkjedi]
*gets tired of waiting on a light and rubs two sticks together* *innnnnnnnhalllllllleeeeeee* ahhhhhh!!!! [Little_Stormy]
I am a smoker and i agree with both sides to a point. We have a purifier in our house and until now I hadn't thought of it but if these purifiers work for our homes why can't they make big ones to clean the air?????? hmmmmm...... Anyways back to the discussion I guess. I think non smokers need to stick with their own if they think they are going to rule how we live our lives. [StrawberryKisses]
I don't mean putting them in buildings I am talking about using them for our outside air. We would need a lot of them and in my opinion people are stupid not to use them with all the other toxic omissions into the air everyday. If these were used then our air quality would be better and less people would be getting sick from germs that are airborne [StrawberryKisses]
I don't care what someone pays in cigarette taxes. It's your choice to pay them. If you don't want to pay them then don't smoke. And if you want to smoke, fine. But please don't do it around me and my kids. One thing that makes me b*tch about smokers is that some don't give a rats @$$ who they smoke around. They'll light up just about anywhere, even right in line outside a business establishment. I know, because it's happened to me. People like that deserve getting b*tched at. And I'll be one of the first ones to speak up. However the smokers that do have some common sense and courtesy go ahead and smoke, but like I said don't do it around me our my kids. And for those of you that smoke around your kids, don't get upset if you find them smoking at 5, 6, or 7 years old. After all, who do you think they learned it from? [sacmom]
I've seen these signs Qaeyious and I've seen smokers ignore them, just like you used to do. It pisses me off to no end when people ignore them, especially when there are little kids present. I saw a woman blatantly ignore one at the Galleria, and this sign was not little. If fact she was hanging right over it, like she dared someone to tell her off! I would have been more then happy to do it, but my husband was with me along with both of our kids so I kept my mouth shut. He hates confrontation. glare That may be Donna, but I still don't want people smoking around me. I (including other non-smokers) shouldn't have to breathe smokers smoke. And as a non-smoker I appreciate that you are considerate of those around you. Because a lot of smokers aren't like this. doh [sacmom]
I'm perfectly happy for you to smoke yourself to death, just don't do it where I have to breathe you're smoke all the best urban [urbandekay]
And you folks pay all those taxes and don't even have unversal heath care. [BCMike]
I am a nonsmoker who is sympathetic to smokers. I've gotten more than my fair share of lofty eyebrows because of this, but yes, some of this anti-smoker mania is getting a bit whacked! * If a smoker's outside enjoying a cigarette, and the wind is not sending the smoke up your nose, leave him or her alone! * Most smokers are very polite about the fact that second hand cigarette smoke can feel as if it's burning some people's lungs. The indoor smoker's sanctuary is becoming simply a memory in many places. * I will aid these Nanny State rebels with a cause provided they remain as polite as most have been. * This anti-smoker thing, and on it's heels, a whiff of anti-fat people feeling, makes me very uneasy. [CraftyCorner]
The comic doesn't show it well, but there is a smoker hiding behind the little fat dude...two types hounded by the nanny state. [CraftyCorner]
I feel absolutely the same way. Then to add insult to injury, we're paying that much in "sin" tax and in many states we can't smoke any where any more. [eden32]
I got 3 words for you. Move to Asia. Cigarettes are cheap. You can smoke almost anywhere you want. To top it all off they are never going to ban smoking because the governments are in the Tabacco business. I know they are in Korea and Japan. So, you can somke to you can't no more. [SeoulBoy_Art]
So you think because you pay taxes for your cigarettes I should have to shut up and tolerate the second hand smoke from your cigarette while I am trying to enjoy a lovely evening out on the town? I'm not one that normally complains about someone smoking because I feel it is their business. But I should be able to go in public without having to smell the stink of someone's nasty habit. Just my opinion. Sorry if you don't like it. But hey I live in America!!! wink [tammytwo]
Found it. Here's the link: http://www.ourlittleplace.com/chemicals.html "95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and sensitizers - capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace, Report by the Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986" I don't like breathing other peoples cologne or perfume anymore than I like to breathe second hand smoke. [sacmom]
good for you. i smoke to. know i shouldn't be, been told that by my doctor' etc. i don't offend anyone w.my smoking that i know of if i do i don't mean to but don't like to be told that when i go in a restaurant for a nice dinner or a hamburger at wendy's or wherever that i can't have a cig after i eat & set & enjoy the friends i'm with. they have carried it to the extremes.what about an aggravating drunk & to me any drunk is aggravating, lol. do they say anything to them. they think they are not hurting anyone but themselves. what about when he leaves driving & wipes out a school bus. i never did like to be told what i could do & not do, still don't. [ANTIQUELADY]
hey donna, if u know about them bet they are too far away for me to go to them. i hate real strong perfumes to. some of my customers at the beauty shop use to about lay me out w/there perfume. nice to hear from u. [ANTIQUELADY]
My problem with smokers is when they become ignorant and assume they are being everyone else's scapegoat (and that everyone dislikes them). Other than that, smoke all you want. If your in public, go ahead and do it! If your on a private land, that is up to the owner (who also has a right to tell you not to, do they not?) In my mind the same goes for any drug/alchohol. Do whatever you want, just don't take away my right to make you get off my lawn while your doing it :-) haha. [ulalume]
Hey, Lol the 'shut up' bit was the funniest. Hey that is rather true, even though I don't smoke, I have nothing against anyone. If you feel like a smoke, then why not? Just go for it, who knows, you are also helping the countries Economy! Happy Lotting! happy [EliteUser]
Hello there! Yeah, you do have the right to smoke. There is no argument about that but I think that the taxes paid by smokers is nothing compared to the damage that secondary smoke can cause to other people. My uncle is a chain smoker and he can smoke more than a pack a day. His children all have asthma and the doctor said that the attacks are often triggered by smoke. I find that really sad... [alindahaw]
Hallelujah for you.. I knew that I was keeping the economy going with my "bad Habit", I just wasn't sure how much I had contributed, but I knew it was quite a bit.. I believe there is talk of another tax hike, you can go to stoptheFETincrease.com to lodge a useless complaint to try and stop them from another tax hike of $6.10 a carton.. Even with all of the money smokers are pumping into the economy, we are still condemned by non-smokers for causing everything from Bedbugs to AIDS.. I do wish everyone would check out the pollution put into the air by big business and see the damage they are doing before condemning me for my little bit.. I could stand outside and smoke non-stop 24/7 and not even come close to what factories are pouring into the air by the minute, but it is easier to pick on the little smoker than to take on the big companies.. Good for you, the information needs to be out there for everyone to see.. [DonnaLawson]
Sometimes the obvious is overlooked.. The point of this discussion was the amount of taxes paid for by the smoker and you are saying that maybe we need to pay more because of respiratory illnesses' .. the same can be said of the huge factories belching out the enormous amount of pollutants into the air.. Common factory-emitted water pollutants include phosphates, asbestos, mercury, nitrates, grit, caustic soda and other sodium compounds, sulfuric acid, sulfur, oils and petrochemicals toxins.. Contaminants of the air are classified as gases and particulates. Particulates are tiny particles which are further grouped by their sizes. Generally speaking, the smaller the particulates are of a noxious substance, the more dangerous it is because it will be able to Travel more deeply into the airways of those that breath it in. Factory pollution includes carbon monoxide, which is mainly produced in combustion processes. Though most carbon monoxide pollution comes from motorized vehicles or maybe even hair transplants, there are also many combustion driven power plants still in operation today. Factory pollution also includes chlorofluorocarbons, which have been shown to destroy the ozone layer. Hydrocarbon gases and nitrogen oxides are also frequently emitted by industrial factories. Nitrogen oxides combine with hydrocarbon gases to produce what is known as 'smog'. Sulfur oxides cause acid rain and comes from the burning of fuel that contains sulfur. Sulfur oxides are mostly produced at power plants or even combustion-driven power plants. Tropospheric ozone is another type of pollutant that is another product of two factory pollutants. This type of ozone is created when nitrogen oxides interact with hydrocarbon gases. In the stratospheric level, ozone reduces the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth's surface. Yet at lower levels it is an irritating gas. Below is only one of the many articles that prove that our air in not even fit to breathe and it isn't from smokers, it is from factories.. http://www.articleclick.com/pollution-caused-by-factories.html You can also quote as many statistics as you would like to but it may be that it is safer to smoke in a home where someone smokes than to go outside and breathe.. These statistics only place the blame on smokers, they don't put any of the blame on the air pollution that this same child breathes every time they walk out the door.. If everything was taken into consideration, and the blame was placed equally, smokers would not come out being the worst offender.. And my last point is that breathing leads to a National effect on health care, so in effect do we tax every person who breathes, from the moment of birth until the moment of death.. This discussion doesn't even take into consideration the poisons in the food and water that we consume every day, so if we eat, drink or breathe, we all need to pay more taxes, because everyone of these can make us sick and our government isn't going to protect us from anything other than the big bad smokers.. [DonnaLawson]
It makes me just a little crazy(er) when people beeach from their high pedestal about smoking.. and no, I'm not a smoker! Here's a silver lining, maybe the high taxes will keep big bro/sister from outlawing it altogether! Or perhaps you'll be able to buy cigs but not allowed to smoke 'em!lol Course you could always join a country club then you'll be ok... Yes, instead of requiring the good venting available, banning is sweeping (even) all the taverns.. except for the country clubs of course. [flowerchilde]
Does it really matter how much money you contribute? Tell that to a passive smoker diagnosed with lung cancer because of your filthy habit, money isnīt everything my friend, just because a millionaire pays thousands in taxes does that give him the right to go around doing what he likes? of course not. get a grip man and enter the real world. [ilgattofelice99]
I'm also curious how I can "stay away" from second hand smoke if someone does it at restaurants, bars, and other public places that I happen to be in? If smoking in these places wasn't banned, that's the situation we would have. Also, How does a young child "stay away" when a parent smokes in their home or car? Can a 5 year old just decide..."well, this is no place for me, I guess its time for me to go it on my own". [Uroborus]
AMEN. I found a way around all the taxes and still have my smokes. About 5 years ago I changed to the little cigars. There is 20 in a pack just like cigarettes and 10 packs in a carton. I only pay about $8.50 per carton. The paper they are wrapped in is made out of tobacco so the qualify as cigars and there is no federal or state tobacco tax on them. That makes a big difference in the price. The brand I use is Santa Fe. They are filtered just like a regular cigarette and are milder. Not nearly as harsh on the throat. I enjoy the little cigars and I enjoy beating the greedy jerks out of the taxers. Art [Arkie69]
The money you give is never enough for the government to spend on your health care. Your right to smoke has limitations and does not give you the freedom to harm others with your second-hand smoke. You can burn your lungs for all I care, but stay away from me and don't blow your smoke in my direction. Thank you very much. [rogerfederer]
For the past several decades, lawmakers in the US Congress have funded researches on the various socio-economic issues that may have a significant impact on the population, and the the results have always shown that drugs, alcohol, and smoking tobacco are the three most prevalent vices that harm the society. Like in the US, most countries throughout the world pass legislation to tax these burdensome vices, thus the term "sin taxes" was coined. [rogerfederer]
But you aren't paying for the right to make my health bad as a result of your smoking. So smoke away and enjoy it, but not around people - especially Children - who don't want the habit to affect them. That is our right as non-smokers. I have many relatives and friends who smoke and I never bother them about it. But they all respect my "space" as a non-smoker and don't smoke in my presence or my house. Fair is fair. [quinnkl]
i agree we smokers are not bad but we endanger other peoples lives second hand smoke not so ? but i agree with you [varunabiraj]
I've never really complained about smokers, if they want to do it then they can. I know that those who participate in those vices that others might think are unhealthy like smoking, drinking, gambling (lottery) also pay taxes to the state in which they reside. I guess you could present this as an argument but not as an advocacy. [gitfiddleplayer]
I knew it was a lot but I really did not know that it was that much. I have made this point in other discussions as I am a smoker and get really tired of hearing it. They'd all be pretty sad if we all just up and quit now wouldn't they? The small retail stores would lose tons of business, all those in the tobacco industry including distributors would be out of work and lets not overlook the healthcare professionals and the makers of all those quit-smoking aids...on & on. They would have to tax something else to make up for the loss. maybe toilet paper...at least that would be more fair. Great post! [sid556]
It doesn't bother me to see someone smoke. Here in Virginia, our governor wants to add an additional 30 cents to the cigarette tax. So, you're right, smokers do add a lot of additional revenue to the state. [Bd200789]
You need to quit fussing about how much we fuss. We choose to not breath in you smoke. If you choose to pay the high taxes but I am not paying for the right to have your smoke in my face. Keep your smoke out of public places where I'm most likely to get a snootful and then suffer from a sinus infection that lasts forever. Hey, you gonna pay for my medical bill because your smoke causes me health problems? Probably not. I don't feel for you in the least. You pay for the right to smoke but you are not paying for my right to have clean air to breath. Just stuff it wherever you like. [mlh8087]
no worries ther, i don't frequent bars or resturants that have smoking allowed in them. have a nice polluted day. [mlh8087]
I agree 100%. All those non-smokers can just have their non-smoking bars and restaraunts...so why can't we have bars and restaraunts that we can smoke in? Nobody forces non-smokers to go anywhere that people are smoking, so they need to just get a life and leave us alone. [OZONE_PLAYER]
So now let me understand this-- You have a disgusting habit which makes other people miserable and unhealthy, drives healthcare costs up, makes you stink, turns your teeth yellow and your skin a sickly gray, and can cause any number of diseases that will kill you. And we should be grateful for????? I'm missing something! [fec139]
I must say...it doesn't change how I feel about smoking and smokers. I have no problem with those who do it in their own space and don't effect my life with it. However, I go a lot of places and have to deal with the problems second hand smoke causes me. I end up having breathing issues and with my pregnancy it makes me nauseous and has even made me throw up. I must say...your taxes don't change any of this for me! Add that to the fact that the smokers at my husband's work make him come home smelling like a pack of cigarettes (they smoke in the warehouse while working) and I don't think state taxes and you paying for your right to destroy our health is going to make me quit my bitchin. Of course...if there were a way you were only paying for your right to destroy your health then that would be your prerogative. [aidenofthetower]
The estimated annual cost of cancer per year in the united states is $260 billion. [redhotpogo]
Thank goodness you don't mind paying the taxes on smoking, because our new President is looking at an additional 42 cents per pack. [mysticmaggie]
Oh Bravo Myklj. You tell em mate. That's a powerful lot of dollars there in anyone's language. I wonder what the non smokers have to say about that. rasp [MsTickle]
Look at the previous postings on this thread and the responses and you will see what they have to say. [Uroborus]
Wow, imagine if that much money were donated to charities to stop children from smoking, taking drugs or fight cancer, etc.? Since my husband stopped smoking, after 45 years, we have more money to set aside for vacations, our insurance rates (health, life and homeowner's) have gone down and he has more energy and gets sick less often. It is your right to smoke but it is my right to want to keep my loved ones longer. If you have ever watched someone die slowly from it, it is a horrible thing. [nanajanet]
Thank you for actually showing that smokers are more than mere tobacco smelling citizens who "annoy" others. You know some non-smokers are just unreal...I had one girl tell me one day that she's gonna live longer and have no health conditions because she didn't smoke and I do. I wish some people would just grow up and think twice before they speak. And thanks to you you have shown not only is it our Choice to smoke, but we create a strong amount of revenue...which equals jobs also....and I think we all need to remember that considering how many lay offs are going on around this country. Plus, a lot of the revenue from smoking goes to the medical research and I think I even heard education...even about non-smoking. Thanks again. [taface412]
So does fast food with the obesity rate and potential heart conditions. So maybe the government has every right to make sure we have no choices at the restaurant. It boils down to a lot of things...money is one issue. But the ultimate issue is for others to allow others to make Choices. As ridiculous as it might sound to anyone who has never been classified into one group based upon obvious choices no one should ever take someone's ability to rule their own life. For example: I know there are nudie bars in my area....I am against nudie bars. I choose not to go into the nudie bars. I don't make it my life's effort to shut them down or make others who choose to go there feel like they are nothing more than a perv or public pollution. Or make my children point and stare. PS. I am not against nudie bars....personally to each their own in this respect. And in the above scenario there are laws in place to make sure that it stays where it is (not within so many feet of a school, etc.) Right now smokers have laws that they abide. If they break them they are fined. I say leave it alone. When i am at work I know I cannot smoke in a public building, nor in the break room, but I can smoke outside in the designated area. I follow these rules no matter the area I am in. I work, I pay taxes and I pay a higher tax when it comes to services (such as healthcare) more so than nons. Again, this is my choice. Maybe if the fries are in question people will wake up to the fact of what control is really about. Because I support all nons who choose to go to the fast food drive thru. [taface412]
Looks like a big number, but if your argument originated in Canada (because the taxes are equally exorbitant if not higher) so is the health care system dollar tally that spends BIG dealing with health issues that smoking contributed to in many cases and directly caused in many more. Even in the USA, I'm guessing that many of the taxed bucks still go towards subsidizing privately paid insurance companies selling health care policies. [plunketear]
Did you know that 100% - yes, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT - of non-smokers die? Yup, absolutely true. Every single one of them. How's that for a scary statistic? Just goes to show what you can achieve with stats, eh? I say smoke 'em if you got 'em. Don't inflict 'em on other people and let the non-smokers die of cancer from car emissions, alcohol abuse, knifings, shootings, air crashes, car crashes, hereditary diseases and the lack of a decent immune system from trying to live in a hygienically-obsessed society. (And before any of you go off ranting... spot the humor.) [SpikeTheLobster]
My family and I loved your response. Thanks for the laugh. [6precious102]
I don't have a problem with smokers. Some of the people I most dearly love are smokers. I do think it's a foolish and expensive habit, but if people want to smoke that's their business. However, I do think smokers should be courteous to others since some people are truly bothered by cigarette smoke. I also don't think anyone who smokes should be allowed to sue the tobacco companies. You'd have a hard time convincing me that they don't know the damage it can do to a person's health or that it's habit forming. [6precious102]
That's a really, REALLY good summary of how most reasonable people think. I feel the same way about alcohol: foolish, expensive, and don't drool on me or run me over when you're drunk. And don't sue for liver failure. To each his/her own, provided they assume responsibility for their actions and do as little harm as is possible to other people. Well said. [SpikeTheLobster]
I dunno about Illinois, but lawmakers here in Florida (nonsmokers, I assume) are proposing a $1.00 a PACK added tax on cigarettes. That is NASTY! Why put the burden on cigarette smokers? Why not pick on someone else for a change? Pick on those who eat Tastykakes for breakfast. Those who take up three seats on a plane, those who spit on the sidewalk. How about those who stick their chewed gum under the table? Better yet, how about banning LAWMAKERS? From the state of things it doesn't look like they've done a hell of a lot of good to IMPROVE our economy, have they? Maybe a tax on ladies of horizontal recline (aka "hookers") would be in order. Tax them, then tax their Tampax. Or, one of my favorite subjects: the homeless. Tax THEM for failure to pay ANY taxes while making a small fortune by panhandling, selling their food stamps, claiming to have had twins after an 18-month pregnancy and "giving birth" to non-existent twins, one of which "died" at "birth." Pick on someone ELSE for a change but leave ME alone! Memo to self: Nothing is certain in life but taxes. Even death isn't all that certain anymore. (C) 2009 RJScott [rjscott]
raspI know, I know. Shut up....I used to smoke for 23 years. I quit nearly 3 years ago. I used to feel the same way. But now, I don't want cigarette smoke around my kids that have no choice but to deal with it. That money will not help them when they get cancer from the second hand smoke.raspI have the choice to walk away but kids don't always have that option.rasp [camomom]
We originally said we would quit after the first major tax increase. We have it now where we atleast smoke generic. It amazes me how much they get in taxes, yet not as much as proclaimed has went to the programs to help you quit smoking. I know the obvious rationale for this, but it is frustrated to be treated almost criminal for lighting up tobacco on the street. In my own home, people feel like they are in the right to make comments about guests smoking inside, though I am as well, and... it's my place. It has become where it is not considered rude to have your children scream at, or hold their nose and point at a smoker, (I have witnessed this so many times...) and other behaviours that at one time, people would of had shame in. [UtopianIdealist]
I'm a nonsmoker, but I also think that some of the laws have gone too far. People who own businesses such as restaurants know their clientele and their habits and should be the ones to decide whether or not smoking takes place in their establishments. However, it might be nice if they were required to put a sign out indicating that smoking was allowed. This would warn people who were bothered by the smoke to stay out of such an establishment--but it would also invite people in who enjoyed/needed smoking during meals. [AJ1952Chats]
Smokers are in the minority. Any business that caters to both smokers and nonsmokers, given enough time for the transition to nonsmoking, will prosper when smoking is banned. It's just a fact that smokers (and bar and restaurant owners) are very resistant to accept. The smokers, because it crimps their style. The bar and restaurant owners because of the initial remodelling costs of replacing the rugs, any cloth trim including seating, curtains, and all the other remodeling expenses incurred to get the joint smelling half decent again. [plunketear]
I alone have been the major contributor by my smoking habits for the restoration of 90% of the highways in Pennsylvania and restoration for most of the state's historical locations. I even bought the nails to keep three covered bridges from falling apart. [mrghill]