WASHINGTON — Congress is taking new whacks at the cigarette industry, banning tobacco sales in Senate buildings and — more importantly — seeking a significant federal tax increase on cigarettes.
The industry, once a lobbying behemoth, is quietly working against the tax bill. But it lacks the clout it once wielded.
Several key lawmakers said they have had no recent contacts with tobacco lobbyists. And both houses have signaled a willingness to raise the cigarette tax if other provisions of a children's health bill can be resolved.
"I think the industry has tried to do things more quietly, largely because they obviously know how popular a tobacco tax is," said Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA. The health advocacy group supports a proposed $35 billion increase in the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which a higher cigarette tax would finance..."
So here's what you dems should do instead of laying it all at the feet of smokers.
Tax beer, just a little, but the high-priced, boutique brands a lot. Tax the ever loving shit out of single malt whiskey. Buck or even two a bottle isn't going to hurt none of them rich folks what like their uppity sippy squeezins. Fancy ass girly wines? Damned if I can pronounce half 'a the names but don't go tellin me the gals wouldn't be forking over primo dinero to keep their ice boxes stacked with twisted-artic-berry-blush-with purple lemon. Hell, hoss, smokin only hurts the smoker but alcohol kills thousands of people a year on our roads so whats up with lettin IT get away with murder?
Beg pardon?
It'd drive Teddy Kennedy to suicide?
I see the point.
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