Livid

Smoke screen

Only a week after passing a smoking ban in Chicago restaurants, the city council (in it’s infinite wisdom concerning all things tobacco related) has decided to increase the cigarette tax 20¢ per pack . Therefor, as of January 1, the amount of tax per pack will total $3.05. That’s right, folks! Over 3 dollars in tax alone for a pack of cigarettes purchased within the Chicago city limits.

68¢ goes to the city
$1.00 goes to Cook County
98¢ goes to The State of Illinois
39¢ goes to the Federal Government

With all of the recent hubbub about the heath risks associated with smoking, and the risks involuntarily inflicted upon waiters and waitresses which brought about the ban, one would think that the government would outlaw cigarette smoking altogether. But no. They continue with this smoke screen. “Smoking is bad, smoking is bad! Pay more for cigarettes!”. Meanwhile, Captain Subtext is telling us, “Gee whiz, a smoking ban and an increase of tax all within a week...It seems to me they are sending mixed signals - blowing smoke. The ban is meant to deter, but the tax increase affords the government, on every level, a healthy new income.”

Now, I’m well aware of the fact that smoking is bad for the body. I don’t think there is anyone who lives under the assumption that this is false. But, to be treated as a second class citizen because I choose to do something that is legal, mind you, upsets me. I’m more than happy to oblige those who do not want smoke blown in their face. No problem there. But, this constant attacking in the guise of “good health”, while they are reaching into my pocket because I, the smoker, am an easy target is insulting and demeaning.

Big Tobacco is the enemy. They are a surly bunch, to be sure. If they even tried to defend the smoker, they’d be laughed right out of Dodge. But, the government depends on them. They provide them a hell of a lot of cash-o-la. It’s a delicate walk on the balance beam, tobacco companies and the government share.

But we, the smokers, are being taken advantage of because we are viewed as lepers...ill...baby eaters, even. If, say, a hot dog tax increase were instituted the uproar would be deafening. Why? Because hot dogs don’t represent evil. There has been no negative wiener propaganda. What of a Big Mac tax? Heavens no! Are you mad? McDonald’s is endorsed by a clown. Clowns aren’t evil. Families love clowns and Happy Meals...they’re called Happy Meals for Pete’s sake! You can’t tax happiness, can you?

I say, if the ban and the tax increase are true deterrents in the name of concern for the smoker, outlaw cigarettes. At least I could respect an absolute stance. While we’re at it, let’s do something about the emissions caused by public transportation. Not a word seems to be spoken about that from local government. And what of the fact that there are as many toxins in a charcoal grilled steak as in a pack of cigarettes? Hmmm? Where are the “Truth about grilling” commercials? Nowhere to be found. Why? Because it’s all a huge, steaming pile of BULLSHIT.

Smokers + Leverage = $

Mr. Cranky