Clyde,
Thanks for writing an EXCELLENT piece on how completely stupid raising taxes on items that are "bad for you" is, and how completely unfair it is. I know it was in response to the recent vote to increase taxes on tobacco as an "emergency measure" to keep New York's government running. However, your words are obviously applicable worldwide. There are so many ways that these actions are wrong and illogical, but they never seem to stop. I continue to be flabbergasted nearly every month watching new laws against tobacco being proposed and implemented across the nation, and worldwide.
As a New Jersey native, I love Manhattan, but damn, the politicians are sure screwing it up! Politicians remind me of an old saying about school teachers - "Those that can't DO, teach. Those that can't TEACH, teach gym (Phys. Ed. these days)." Politicians can't do anything else. They can't make it in the real world, and don't live in the real world, so they have to be politicians.
There are so many articles written in support of anti-tobacco legislation. Journalists love to write how it is a good thing to raise taxes on tobacco because it's bad for you and higher taxes will make people quit. I know I don't have to describe the illogic here to you.
I wish more journalists would write from the perspective you did. The NY Times should double your salary, and then you should be elected President of the United States, but that job might suck compared to your current one.
Thanks again. I am looking forward to reading more from you.
By any chance, do you smoke a pipe?
Regards,
Kevin Godbee
Owner / Publisher - PipesMagazine.com
Right Click Media, LLC
