A Pint, A Pipe and Politics

2011-12-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

Feds burned by cigarette smuggling

"Yet every day, the failure to strongly combat the growing crime of contraband cigarette smuggling deprives governments of billions of dollars in tax revenues — siphoned off by terrorist and criminal organizations."

This has to be some kind of joke. Is Rep. King serious? He's crying about terrorist and criminal organizations siphoning off billions in tax revenue. Like no one predicted this very problem when tobacco taxes were raised. Lower the tobacco taxes to a reasonable level that individuals are willing to pay and government will get their revenue. Tax too high and you make normal law abiding citizens willing to go elsewhere to buy their tobacco.

The picture speaks for itself.

NYC sues 'roll-your-own' shops over taxes

2011-11-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

NYC sues 'roll-your-own' shops over taxes

"Thomas Farley ( New York City's health commissioner) also defended the city's high taxes on cigarettes, saying that studies had shown that they are pressuring people into quitting, or not taking up the habit, and thereby saving lives."

Pressuring people into quitting smoking is NOT the business of government - Federal, State or Local. The total nonsense about the 'burden' smokers impose can easily be countered with the high levels of tax dollars that are gouged from smokers to pay for whatever government programs progressives can dream up. Also spare me the 'saving lives' BS. How about all the lives that are lost due to all the criminals running loose in the streets. End rant.

Country Class vs. Ruling Class

2011-10-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought Mayor Bloomberg couldn't be more of a wannabe tyrant.

NYC Mayor Bloomberg: 'Government’s Highest Duty' Is to Push 'Healthy' Foods

The movie Dodgeball comes to mind.

America's Ruling Class -- And the Perils of Revolution

Clowns of the Senate to Impose De facto Tobacco Prohibition?

2011-08-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Just when you though the war on tobacco and freedom couldn't get too much worse or at least not this fast...I present:

S. 1403-- Saving Lives by Lowering Tobacco Use Act

SEC. 3. TOBACCO TAX INCREASE AND PARITY.

(a) Short Title- This section may be cited as the ‘Saving Lives by Lowering Tobacco Use Act’.

(b) Increase in Excise Tax on Small Cigars and Cigarettes-

(1) SMALL CIGARS- Section 5701(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ‘$50.33’ and inserting ‘$100.50’.

(2) CIGARETTES- Section 5701(b) of such Code is amended--

(A) by striking ‘$50.33’ in paragraph (1) and inserting ‘$100.50’, and

(B) by striking ‘$105.69’ in paragraph (2) and inserting ‘$211.04’.

(1) PIPE TOBACCO- Section 5701(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ‘$2.8311 cents’ and inserting ‘$49.55’.

(2) ROLL-YOUR-OWN TOBACCO- Section 5701(g) of such Code is amended by striking ‘$24.78’ and inserting ‘$49.55’.

Tobacco increases work capacity

2011-08-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

Science is conclusive: Tobacco increases work capacity

Roll-your-own-tobacco machines = Freedom

2011-07-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

The title "Roll-your-own-tobacco machines stir health concerns" is a crock. The real concern here is the lost tax revenue for State and Federal government.

Can a Little Lawsuit Shut Down a Big Tobacco Racket?

2011-07-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Here's hoping that a lawsuit filed in federal court against the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement—otherwise known as the Tobacco Deal—is taken seriously.

Jonathan Rauch...The Atlantic Monthly, 2011-07-11

Bloomberg: No Chairs in NYC public places!*

2011-06-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

Armed with a new study that equates cigarette smoking to sitting in a chair, Major Bloomberg has declared that all chairs in public spaces will be banned and new city taxes levied on chairs and sofas.

* Disclaimer: This 'news item' is a parody.

Sitting Vs. Smoking!

2011-06-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

HealthWatch: Sitting Vs. Smoking

Does this mean that new studies will involve the dangers of second hand sitting. Will there be a tax on all chairs and sofas to cover the cost to society?

I love a good rant!

2011-05-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

The smoking stormtroopers are here.

From The SmokersClub Forum...

Another Goose Stepping Politician

2011-05-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Illinois lawmaker says raising obese kids should cost parents at tax time

Bigger brains that I warned over and over that when the tobacco taxes dried up politicians would find new and better ways of getting more of our money to control more of our lives.

The face of the latest tax Nazi....and a portly at that.

Senator Shane Cultra (R)

No logic to comments...

2011-05-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

Original link went bad, but thanks to The Smoker's Club Forum I found a new link commenting on this issue.

WA lawmakers may ease state's strict smoking ban

When I first read this article there was a comment (now removed) lamenting about the danger to the health of employees from secondhand smoke. Having been a resident of Washington State for over 15 years I can remember life before the 2005 smoking ban. There were some great cigar bars to include The Spar in Olympia. Unfortunately after the smoking ban all these great places either closed up shop or went out of business. I am sure the former employees were thrilled that they no longer had to breath in secondhand smoke.

The exception for cigar bars and tobacconists is just common sense, HOWEVER; paying for the 'privilege' is crap. As for the employee's health - most likely, an employee of a cigar bar or tobacco shop is a smoker of some form of tobacco.

Yes, 'elitist' legislatures were known to frequent The Spar with it's private humidor cabinets and live Jazz music, BUT also average guys like yours truly would go there with an old high school friend for an ale and cigar. Some comments in referring to cigars smokers make it out to be a rich man's pass time. I beg to differ. The Spar had all backgrounds mingling together. Yes, it is hypocritical to allow cigar smoking but not cigarette, but that doesn't mean that cigar smokers should be caricatured as 'fat cats' or elitist.

Being primarily a pipe smoker now, I look forward to having more options for places where my fellow pipe smokers can gather for a pint, a pipe and politics.

2011-04-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

Illegal smokes a threat - RCMP

Here's a thought...stop taxing cigarettes at tyrannical levels and you solve the problem. Sorry Mounties, you won't get sympathy for a problem caused by runaway nanny state hosers.

Voting Property Rights Away...Again.

2011-04-20T21:12:00.001-07:00

The march toward voting away a business owner's right to run his business continues. The supporters of the Bismark smoking ban are so self-satisfied in there efforts to rid the world of second-hand smoke even in tobacco shops. Does anyone think anything through anymore, or is it all about how righteous one feels when they vote to destroy someone's business.

Bismarck voters approve smoking ban but no smoke huts

Beer Wars!

2011-04-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

A blog entry to honor "The Pint" of my blog...

Just finished watching Beer Wars with the Mrs. and we are both up in arms. I felt sick to my stomach to see first hand the mafia like grip that Annheuser-Bush has on the beer industry. The real pain arrived when it was revealed that both Bass and Boddingtons whored themselves out to AB, which is now part of Inbev.

I for one hate to walk down the beer isle and see the the piss water known as Bud, Bud Light and all the AB brands dominate. Now I have to do my homework to make sure that the beer I am buying isn't part of Inbev. I don't mind a little competition and free market but this is raping and pillaging the mom and pop brewers that would be happy with a small market share. True free market economics allows the consumer to decided based on the quality of the brand and the companies compete fairly for their market share...in a perfect world.

It seems now that Inbev is the pimp and Annheuser-Bush and its brand are the whores.

Pass me a Samuel Adams or Dog Fish Head and I'll 'recycle' it on a case of Bud Light if you catch my meaning. Long live the indie brewer!

Proposed OTP Tax Increases

2011-04-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Not all inclusive, but here is what I have...

Check here for updates...

http://rtda.org/legislation.html

Christmas in April...

2011-04-04T16:10:00.001-07:00

I love this old ad!

Watch out tubby, it's your turn...

2011-04-02T14:03:00.001-07:00

Land of the free and home of the brave? I think not. The warning signs where there all along. You allow government to run healthcare you can kiss your freedom goodbye.

First it was the cigarette smokers that they came after. Back in the day if you smoked cigars or a pipe you technically didn't even rate as a smoker. Now if you even have nicotine in your system you get stiffed by the insurance companies.

Not satisfied to stop at tobacco, Arizona is looking to charge extra to those that not only smoke, but also anyone government officials consider obese.

There you have it. If you desire to have government run health care then you have to live with being dictated to by your local, state and federal government how you must live your life or face paying a fine.

How did we get here? Who do we want to be as a people? The Nanny Express is now at full steam and won't be slowing down any time soon. As for me...you'll have to pry my pipe from my cold dead hands.

Our forefathers would be ashamed to see what we have become and are becoming. I truly hope at some point there will be more of us to say "ENOUGH".

Government officials cry about not having enough money for MEDICARE, but it was never intended for government to be in the healthcare business. I say get out and stay out! Go back to providing basic services and stay out of our personal lives.

What other lifestyle choices will be considered for this fee? Out of wedlock sex is considered high risk - are you going to charge a fee for that?

END RANT. I am off to smoke my pipe and find my happy place.

No Surprises here...but a good read!

2011-03-20T22:53:00.000-07:00

State Excise Taxation: Horse-and-Buggy Taxes In an Electronic Age

First they came for the tobacco users...

2011-03-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

America's Most Persecuted Minority

Smoking Bans and Taxes for OTP

2011-03-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

I searched for a decent graphic on the current tax rates for Other Tobacco Products (OTP), specifically pipe tobacco. Having not found one I combined information from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_smoking_bans_in_the_United_States and

http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0169.pdf .

Joe Jackson's Smoke, Lies And The Nanny State

2011-03-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

Read Joe Jackson's Smoke, Lies And The Nanny State

Very well stated!

The Goose Stepping Continues...in Maryland.

2011-03-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

Ocean City Maryland Public Park Smoking Ban

I want very much to be civil in my postings but it is becoming increasingly difficult to be civil when it is obvious that that various anti-tobacco politicians imposing smoking bans are extreme zealots.

They won't listen to reason and their hate of tobacco appears to make them hate tobacco smokers to an equal degree. To ban a man from enjoying his cigar or pipe in a park and feel justified in doing so not only shows no regard for individual freedom but it shows to me a feminization of male politicians across the fruited plain. Even if you don't use tobacco a real man would at least acknowledge another man's right to smoke his cigar or pipe in an open park.

What would these men's fathers and grandfathers think of them? Shame and disgust come to mind.

All these smoking bans at a time of high unemployment and a general depressed feeling in our country. These ban advocates are disconnected with reality. It will be interesting to see the enforcement of all these city bans that are being enacted by city councils. I for one will smile and walk off enjoying the pleasure of smoking my pipe.

UPDATE to WA Sate HB 1246

2011-02-23T16:57:00.000-08:00

It seems that our representatives in Olympia have graciously revised their original bill to exclude language that would ban pipe tobacco...I think. One never knows what exactly is against the law with the broad, far-reaching laws that are passed in Olympia these days.

HB 1246 - 2011-12 Regulating tobacco products.

Still, the original intent of representatives like Eileen Cody are alive and well - the complete prohibition of tobacco in the state of Washington. If you are looking for Republican allies in this state, stop looking. Attorney General Rob McKenna is also in the anti-tobacco camp.

The same anti-tobacco politicians support abortion and go around yelling, "Hands off my ovaries!" Well, how about, "Hands off my lungs!" "Hands off my waistline!" "Hands off my parenting!"

The list could go on and on. The sponsors of these sort of bills will yell from the roof tops that they are doing it for the children. Please keep criminals behinds bars and allow parents to take care of raising their children.

The world has seen the sort of mentality that leads to this preoccupation with controlling adults. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Ladies and gentlemen I present the sponsors of HB 1246.

Malaga Pipes: Hometown Pipe Shop

2011-02-19T22:46:00.001-08:00

It is a crying shame to discover a world class pipe store in your hometown after they have been closed for almost 12 years. "MALAGA" pipes out of Royal Oak Michigan were the pipe of choice for President Gerald Ford. As a kid growing up in Royal Oak in the 70s and 80s I never knew the store existed. My dad told me recently that he would go in there to buy cigars. All that is left of MALAGA pipes is what you can find on EBAY or in private collections.

I was fortunate enough to win a MALAGA pipe that included an old sales bulletin. Not sure on the date. Probably from the 1960s or 1970s .

Pipe Tobacco Outlawed???

2011-02-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

Washington Lawmakers Consider Bill to Outlaw Flavored Tobacco Products

"State Sen. James Holmquist Newbry may add a provision to the bill that would allow adults to purchase flavored tobacco products. The bill also includes a ban on pipe tobacco. In addition, the proposal would give localities more authority to regulate tobacco and would enact more regulations regarding retail tobacco displays."

This from a state that is trying to legalize pot! I don't have words for the legislators in Olympia supporting this. Actually I do have words, but not ones I'd care to use in this forum. This is all in the name of protecting the children. If Olympia can't enforce current laws prohibiting children from buying tobacco, good luck enforcing this one.

Smug Alert Part 2

2011-02-04T17:21:00.001-08:00

From pipesmagazine.com...

The Smug Alert: Part Two

The Second Battle in Seattle...over Tobacco

2011-02-04T05:39:00.000-08:00

The Second Battle in Seattle

I am a proud member of the Seattle Pipe Club and very proud the that Matt Guss and a handful of my fellow members didn't just sit around when the pipe tobacco shipping ban was enacted. They attempted to get an exemption for pipe tobacco and fought the good fight. Unfortunately, like the article from pipesmagazine.com states, Washington State politicians, to include the Republican AG, will stop at nothing to see tobacco become illegal in the once Great state of Washington.

Those that study history know how all this will end. It will criminalize adults who refuse to go along with having their freedoms hacked away and create a burden on law enforcement in the same way Prohibition did.

At a time of economic hardship and instability abroad that threatens our way of life, our politicians in Olympia are focusing on more ways to criminalize legal behavior and turn us in little children.

A little fun...

2011-01-31T17:08:00.001-08:00

I altered an old Black Velvet ad to have some fun.

This 'advertisement' has not been endorsed by the Seattle Pipe Club.

Wakeup New York City Taxpayers

2011-01-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

Life's tough for $144,000 garbage collectors

I was stumped at what to title this blog entry. I wanted something pithy but it's too early in the morning for the creative juices to be flowing. If you are a N.Y. City garbage collector, I understand you have little mouths to feed and that your job is tough but at the same time some where deep inside you must have felt that the gravy train couldn't continue forever.

There are people that sacrifice working and going to school to be able to make half of that sort of money and benefits. There are military members being told that they have to do more with less and in some cases the less is less personnel. So whatever sad story you have please spare the rest of us. Now if being a Sanitation Engineer was an actual professional degree that required years of schooling and training there could be an argument made for this level of salary and benefits.

The same for all the unionized city worked across the fruited plain. How can you justify your salary and benefits when soldiers living and dying away from their families in the name of defending those of us at home make far less than half of what your union bosses have strong- armed for you?

TV! New threat to health!!!

2011-01-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

Wa tching tele vision 'damages the heart'

Imagine if TV gets the same treatment as tobacco and alcohol for being a public health threat...

- A new tax on TVs and computers to cover the burden they cause on the health care
system

- Ban TVs in public places due to the health risks now associated with TV/Internet viewing

- Impose a ban on TVs in privately owned businesses to include bars and casinos (yes this includes video slots)

- Anyone caught viewing a TV within view of minors will be subject to fine or imprisonment for endangering their health

- To protect you from yourself a timer will be mandated for all electronic devices with a screen limiting viewing to the safe amount of time established by a committee of unelected officials

Get the picture?

Today's cheeky speculation is tomorrow's reality.

Prohibition by a 1000 cuts.

2011-01-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

Great Neck Bans Smoking on Public Sidewalks

It should be interesting to see how this is enforced. I can see it now; some Gomer Pyle type of individual chasing a smoker down yelling, "Citizens Arrest! Citizens Arrest!" (Ref: Andy Griffith Show and you get the picture).

Come on - Really? Government is addicted to tobacco tax money but doing everything it can to discourage use. Really?

I can see some poor old man walking down the street smoking his pipe with tobacco he can barely afford due to taxation and some nanny state Nazi would like nothing better to do than hit him with a $1000 fine.

End Rant.

2011-01-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Great article from Pipesmagazine.com

The Smug Alert

Bloomberg angry too?

2010-12-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

"I'm Angry Too": Mayor Mike on City's Snow Response

Dear Mayor,

Maybe if you had spent less time being angry at tobacco users and wasting all your time imposing smoking bans and trying to confiscate more tax dollars out of New Yorkers you could have spent it on more important things. If you are having problems prioritizing, maybe you should visit the average citizen from time-to-time and ask, "Should I focus on my war on tobacco or making sure basic city services actually will work when needed?" That may be a good place to start.

End rant.

I am so shocked!!!

2010-12-18T23:06:00.000-08:00

Study: High Cigarette Taxes Cause Widespread Smuggling in Michigan, Elsewhere in U.S.

Here's a thought....

2010-12-07T23:01:00.000-08:00

LOWER YOUR TOBACCO TAXES!

ARTICLE:

Wake up to contraband tobacco

COMMENT:

Illegal cigarettes are not the problem, just a symptom of high taxation. There is no morale high ground here for the Canadian authorities (or their peers across the border). Government hurts store owners and they boost criminal activity and in the process take away individual liberty by tyrannical taxation.

For all the talk about the cost that tobacco users burden society with, there is no mention of the lives and property lost due government policies.

Michigan: Gee...didn't see this one coming

2010-12-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

Smoking Ban means Disaster for many Businesses

...and not destroy another person's property and liberty.

We're from the government and we are here to help...

2010-12-01T22:54:00.001-08:00

Gov. Gregoire’s statement on Washington landmarks used in tobacco campaign

"Special edition cigarette packs featuring Washington landmarks, including the Pike Place Market and Mt. Rainier, are being co-opted to sell a product that is responsible for killing about 7,500 people in our state every year."

Yes very tragic, 'about' 7,500 killed each year by a product people freely choose to use. I am not here to debate whether that number is accurate or not, just to simply ask what business does any Governor have wasting tax payer time going after a product that is legal and adults freely choose to use it or not? Please spare us the "save us from ourselves" speeches. Maybe it is not so much a concern for the lives lost but of the loss of tobacco tax revenues that the state of Washington gladly collects from their tobacco users.

What the @#$%!

2010-11-08T15:43:00.002-08:00

World’s Pilots Reject Naked Body Scanners Over Radiation Danger, Privacy Breach

Let me get this straight. It is OK to vilify and tax tobacco users because use of tobacco is bad for you and bad for society and it is perfectly acceptable to expose people to evasive body scans that maybe be harmful to their health?

What the @#$%!

Hope and Change for Liberty and Tobacco?

2010-11-05T11:19:00.001-07:00

How can I not comment on the recent elections? Let's hope that the incoming Republicans focus on getting government out of our way to grow the economy. And let's hope bills like HR4439, Pipe Tobacco Tax Increase, will not be raised from the dead. Sometimes gridlock is good for freedom.

NYC to try banning smoking in parks and beaches

2010-09-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

NYC to try banning smoking in parks and beaches

Previously posted 'photo' that I thought appropriate to re-post. :)

Outlaw public smoking? Great idea - wouldn't want all that tobacco smoke competing with the other pollutants in the NYC air.

No end in sight...

2010-09-10T06:23:00.002-07:00

Cities Increasingly Turn to 'Trash Police' to Enforce Recycling Laws

The Nanny State continues it goose stepping march right on top of our freedoms. It is like a constant drip and before you know it you are about to drown. In some cities they fine you for smoking in the park, they fine you for smoking on your balcony and now the non-smokers can get a taste of how the Nanny State treats us all like petulant children that refuse to obey them.

How in the world did we get to this place? I need coffee - hopefully 'they' won't come after that next.

Follow the money...

2010-09-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

An article caught my attention this morning, Millions of children won't be getting on buses this fall , pointing out the growing homeschooling movement. An interesting thing to watch will be how government, both local and federal, start reacting to this growth.

We didn't start to see a crack down on tobacco until big tobacco, along with state and federal government, noticed that they were losing revenue to mail order and online sales. Now in tight times they are increasingly trying to squeeze more out of the consumer/tax payer.

My guess is once the homeschooling movement hits 10%, teachers unions, along with government at all levels, will take notice to the money they'll be losing as a result. This could come down to being forced to pay a homeschooling fee or taxed for the 'privilege' of educating your own children or even attempts to make it more difficult to opt out of the public education system.

The bottom line is that the home schooler is taking money and power out the 'the system.' Same with the tax fatigued tobacco user. You are taking away 'their' tax money when you buy your smokes at the local Indian Reservation or if you can still legally order tobacco online from your state.

I am not here to advocate for or against homeschooling. Just pointing out that it is a movement that was started and is growing because public schools are a mess in a lot of communities. This is the response.

This pattern repeats when government messes up or oversteps elsewhere. Citizens find a way around the mess. Tax me too much on my tobacco? I'll find an alternate way to get my cigarettes. Prohibit alcohol? We all know that story.

This is about citizens choosing freedom and bureaucrats not liking it.

I would suggest an alternative to going after home schoolers would be to fix public schools and give parents a reason to bring their children back.

Tacoma group pushing for smoke-free apartments

2010-09-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

Tacoma group pushing for smoke-free apartments

The only thing that should be the focus is the rights of the property owner. People have a choice to rent an apartment. If the apartment owner deems it better for business, he'll make the decision to go smoke free not some city bureaucrat. The same for pubs and other privately owned businesses. Why in the world are antis pushing for all this now in such a bad economy? I have an answer but I want to be civil.

For non-smokers out there please keep in mind that an attack on property rights in regards to smoking will set precedents for non-smoking issues involving private property. This is about getting your foot in the door and once wedged in there the door is much easier to push open.

Please stop trying to save everyone from themselves my 'anti' friends. Life is hard enough without your self-righteous crusade to free the world of evil tobacco.

No surprises here from the Michigan smoking ban.

2010-08-20T17:13:00.000-07:00

Smoking ban dries up business

The War on U.S. Citizens Continues...

2010-08-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Mike to gov: Lasso them cig cheats!

Once again, this article speaks for itself.

Tax dodging politicians...oh my!

2010-07-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

Swift Tax Dodgers

Ruling class vs. Tobacco

2010-07-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

Nice comments in support of “America’s Ruling Class – And the Perils of Revolution,”

The description below pretty much sums up why those in government pile on the smoking bans along with high tobacco taxes. I can hear them now: "Smoking is bad for the peasants - we must protect them from themselves."

A Splendid Essay on the Two Great Classes in Contemporary America

"Members of the two classes do not like one another. In particular, the ruling class views the rest of the population as composed of ignoramuses who are vicious, violent, racist, religious, irrational, unscientific, backward, generally ill-behaved, and incapable of living well without constant, detailed direction by our betters; and it views itself as perfectly qualified and entitled to pound us into better shape by the generous application of laws, taxes, subsidies, regulations, and unceasing declarations of its dedication to bringing the country—and indeed the entire world—out of its present darkness and into the light of the Brave New World it is busily engineering." - Robert Higgs, The Beacon Blog

So it's OK for the gold digging Senator from Mass. to avoid taxes?

2010-07-24T20:07:00.001-07:00

Sen. John Kerry skips town on sails tax

How is what Senator Kerry is doing any different from someone wanting to buy their snuff or cigarettes off the internet to avoid high taxes? I don't have words for the hypocrisy here. This sort of 'tax dodge' is allowed but try and have tobacco shipped to a state like Washington and you will face felony charges.

End rant

Outstanding Article!

2010-07-16T17:14:00.002-07:00

America's Ruling Class -- And the Perils of Revolution

Slip sliding away...

2010-07-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

...our rights are slip sliding awayyyyy.

Obesity Rating for Every American Must Be Included in Stimulus-Mandated Electronic Health Records, Says HHS

How in the world did anyone who supported government healthcare not realize that it would mean more government intrusion into our lives. A cigar or pipe smoker may be able to hide the fact that they are using the 'vile' weed, but when government bureaucrats have your body mass on record and control your health care the sky is the limit. Can you say "fat tax" boys and girls. Hate to see the tax tables that the IRS would come up with for that.

So Mr. and Mrs. anti-tobacco advocate, if you are carrying a few extra pounds or more and your obesity tax bill arrives, maybe you'll wake up to the fact that big government advocates don't care if you are fat, smoke or are healthy or sick for that matter. They care about separating you from your money.

Will the pendulum ever swing back toward freedom?

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

I'll be celebrating by smoking a cigar and or pipe - hopefully in smoking ban area like my local park. :) Speaking of smoking bans, is it any wonder that some of our fellow citizens support freedom robbing laws when they have no clue what we are celebrating today.

Currently I am reading The Five Thousand Year Leap listing out the principles that created our freedoms as Americans. The sad news link below would fit under the 23rd Principle: Importance of an Educated Electorate. If we truly had an educated electorate in our country even non-smokers would grasp the danger to liberty that smoking bans and high tobacco taxation bring.

26% of U.S. don't know who we declared independence from

Happy 4th of July to all of my fellow citizens that preserve the meaning of that day. I invite all of you to take a walk with your favorite tobacco product and celebrate freedom! If you encounter a anti, simply smile and wish them a happy Independence Day!

God bless you and God bless all our soldiers, sailors and airmen that are defending our great nation and whatever freedoms have not been stepped upon.

This is wrong on so many levels...

2010-06-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

Spot the difference: How today's airbrushing PC censors decided Churchill could do without his cigar

I have no comments to add to this. It speaks for itself.

Fight Terrorism - Abolish Tobacco Taxes!

2010-06-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Tobacco Taxes Finance Terrorism

Wow! Unintended consequences of raising tobacco taxes? Imagine that!!!

I miss President Reagan.

2010-06-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

I wish this was a bad, bad joke. I remember when adults were in the White House. I miss the leadership of President Reagan so very, very much. This sad response to the oil spill speaks for itself. A petulant child comes to mind.

Obama Seeking "Ass To Kick" Over Oil Spill

What are the Greeks thinking?

2010-06-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

No-butts smoking ban starts in September

You have a country that is financially collapsing and this is how the Greek government is spending its time and resources.

"As of September 1, Greeks will only be able to smoke outdoors, according to a draft law presented yesterday by the government which bans smoking in bars, restaurants and businesses."

Nice to know there is a crazier government out there than our own. Taxing and destroying a lawful industry in a time of economic crisis/decline is just plain nuts. It really is getting frustrating always having to point out the obvious.

Loophole my eye!

2010-06-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

From Fred Brown at the Pipe Smokers Intelligencer.

The Loophole Effect

Fred has been reporting on Cohen and his pipe tobacco tax increase for some time now. The sad part of all this is that if congress does pass this through the pipe tobacco industry will be damaged severely and thousands will lose their livelihoods all in the name of squeezing out more tax money to feed an ever expanding government. At what point does the pendulum starting swinging back toward freedom? This really sucks.

Tobacco loophole in child health law costs $250M

According the above article "the Obama administration has been working for a year to clarify the difference between pipe and rolling tobacco." Let us hope that some sanity prevails here and what we see is a clarification between the two instead of a tax increase that would destroy an entire industry.

46 Thieves in the Jersey Senate.

2010-05-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Millionaire Tax; Veto Looms

Why do people have to wonder why conservatives think that liberals are ignorant? 46 New Jersey state senators vote to tax their state millionaires more. How much of a share of their income is consider a fair share? Coveting neighbor’s possessions has no place in this country and these senators need to be called out. I have far more trust in Jersey's 16,000 millionaires to use their wealth more wisely than the state senators that seek to redistribute their wealth in order to buy votes. Weren't Jersey senators paying attention when Maryland millionaires left their state because they were going to be taxed even more?

They should be thankful for the governor’s veto; otherwise their state would lose billions when its millionaires decided to move to a state that wouldn't seek to confiscate their wealth in the name of 'fairness'.

In a State’s Search for Sales Tax, Amazon Raises Privacy Concerns

2010-05-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

NOW privacy concerns are raised?

In a State’s Search for Sales Tax, Amazon Raises Privacy Concerns

This rant is entitled, “Why won’t you listen?!” Instead of lowering their tax rates to attract more business, states are bent on raising them and than finding a way to extract those taxes even from people that go elsewhere to avoid sales taxes because they are too high. This is a classic example why federalism is a good thing. Each state is sovereign and there are some states that understand lower tax rates bring in more business and more money.

The examples of misguided states trying to extract more and more money leading to less and less revenues are plentiful.

California comes to mind, and more recently Maryland with their millionaire’s tax. How’s that working out? Read the links and find out.

Keep in mind that states that have tried to increase revenues by increasing tobacco taxes or “sin” taxes have not realized the revenue increases that they sought and lusted for. My brain is not large enough and my intellect not high speed enough to provide the examples and research by my lonesome. Thankfully places like The Heartland Institute are doing it for me. :)

“Experience in other states shows that once tax revenues from tobacco and other affected businesses begin to fall short of projections, legislators end up looking for more money from more taxpayers.”

Excerpt from Research & Commentary: New Hampshire’s Vanishing Tax Advantage

For those on the sidelines when the states came after tobacco users for more tax money, welcome to the receiving end – uncomfortable isn’t it. :)

End rant.

Revisiting Fred Brown's Outrage in White

2010-04-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Fred Brown of the Pipe Smokers Intelligencer wrote an article detailing a trip he took to Colorado, Outrage in White. He witnessed two individuals smoking outside a smoke shop and makes a logical assumption that there was a local smoking ban in effect even for smoke shops. This prompted a reader to lash out and defend the great state of Colorado, informing us that there was no such ban. When standing up for our rights as pipe smokers we should stick together and never assume that you are safe from smoking bans - not even in your local tobacco shop.

From The Smokers Club...

Colorado: Lakewood Smoking Ban Update

The War on Cigarettes (and Tobacco)

2010-04-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

The War on Cigarettes

I love it when I can link to an article that saves me a rant. :)

TAXES! TAXES! and MORE TAXES!

2010-04-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Washington State: Concerning the taxation of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

A tax increase of 75% to 95% of retail on tobacco in the great state of Washington. Gee, what do you think will happen now - the tax revenues start flowing into Olympia? Would you pay a 95% tax on anything? Stupid is as stupid does. This will only result in more business and job loss in Washington. Watch out - the legislature will than be looking for additional sources of revenue when this new tax fails to deliver.

The same argument keeps being sung over and over - the health care burden and productivity loss due to tobacco users. The same could be said of the obese and dare I even say the same can be said with individuals that don't practice monogamy. Think about the health care burden of individuals that acquire STDs and the productivity loss. See where I am going with this. You let these politicians and petty bureaucrats get away with this reasoning than no lifestyle choice is safe. Junk science than can be used to grow the list of what is a burden to society and thus in need of taxation.

What should get more attention!

2010-04-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Congressman to hold hearing into baseball and chewing tobacco

Look at the photos and tell what should have a greater priority for the congressman.

I can't believe this is what our congress is spending their time on. Parents are responsible for making sure they teach their children about the effects of chewing tobacco, not a crusading congressman.

I can hear the wailing and gnashing of teeth now. Yes, I have seen the nasty photos of the guys with missing jaws due to mouth cancer. Again, the parents are responsible. No parents at home? Than those poor kids have bigger problems than being influence by baseball players to chew tobacco.

Cloud of confusion envelops Michigan smoking ban

2010-04-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Cloud of confusion envelops Michigan smoking ban

This is funny AND sad. Michigan's economy is in the crapper and they are passing laws that hurt business. Brilliant!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

No ranting this morning - just a profound sense of thankfulness for what today represents. Christos Anesti! Christ Is Risen!

Of course, being a pipe smoker, I salute the great defenders of the faith that enjoyed tobacco and life. If the anti-tobacco activists ever read anything that these gentlemen wrote, maybe they'll get a sense of their peace and take a step back, relax and live their lives without the need to dictate to others on how to live theirs.

From the Nanny State to the Bully State

2010-03-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

Great article by Patrick Basham writing for the Institute of Public Affairs!

From the Nanny State to the Bully State

"As Bully Staters do not want us to smoke cigarettes, gamble, drink alcohol, or gain weight, they will ratchet up their campaign to shame and coerce those who rejoice in the individual's right to pursue pleasure. Under the Bully State, the real bully is Nanny the Policy Nurse, who dispenses regulatory ‘cures' for all manner of alleged social ills, from smoking to simply having fun."

"Thankfully, there will be dramatic growth in people's unwillingness to be bullied out of, and into, particular habits. This will create an opportunity for the first politician who stands in front of the Bully State's regulatory march yelling, ‘Stop!' By the end of the decade, it is entirely possible that most Westerners will be actively rebelling against their respective Department of the Domestic Bully."

Not just about tobacco...

2010-03-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

If it wasn't so sad, it would be amusing to hear all the scoffers when you try and explain that smoking bans and tobacco taxes are not about concerns for the welfare of fellow citizens - IT IS ABOUT CONTROL.

Shocking Audio: Rep. Dingell Says ObamaCare Will Eventually ‘Control the People’

It is so very annoying when you encounter so-called conservative republicans that support smoking bans and higher taxes on tobacco. That is why I could never support Hucakabee.

Huckabee on a Smoking Ban

Listen to the way he gets all self-righteous about second-hand smoke. As far as I know, most work places don't allow smoking, with or without an imposed smoking ban - as for second-hand smoke - what a girly man. A passing whiff of someone's cigarette in public would have a hard time competing with the other pollutants in the air to harm you. Like global warming, the science of second hand smoke is as tainted with politics and grant money. If he is scared about second-hand smoke, he wouldn't stop banning smoking in just work places. He claims to not want to include bars, but those places have been included as work places. Don't get me wrong, I am a polite individual and would never be rude enough to smoke a cigar or pipe in someone's presence that didn't want me to. Most smokers would do the same.

I need coffee - end of rant.

The PACT ACT without teeth?

2010-03-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

My first posting PACT ACT or SPY ACT? dealt with the PACT ACT and the spying powers under SECTION. 7. ENHANCED CONTRABAND TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT. It seems that the bill about to be signed into law has this section omitted. This would place some of the financial burden of enforcement onto the states. Also, a detailed reading reveals that even though there is only an exemption for cigars, there are no references that the act applies to pipe tobacco. This whole 'game' is getting old. Gee, how fortunate Washington didn't come after pipe or cigar smokers today. Instead of being greatful, I am just plain PO'ed these spineless politicians are taking our freedom away piece by little piece. Don't even get me started on the heath care drama - that would take another blog.

H.R. 4439 Pipe Tobacco Tax Increase – Dead?

2010-03-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

The lastest on H.R. 4439 from The Eager Beaver’s Briar...

H.R. 4439 Pipe Tobacco Tax Increase – Dead?

City Anti-Smoking Witch-Hunt Now Being Conducted By Narc Hipster

2010-03-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Looks like The Village Voice zeroed in on the 'narcs' portion of the NYT article as well.

City Anti-Smoking Witch-Hunt Now Being Conducted By Narc Hipster

Bloomberg's Brown Shirts

2010-03-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

City Tries to Shut Club It Says Flouts Smoking Ban

"So in recent months, the department has deputized a team of inspectors — many of them younger and hipper-looking than the stereotypical bureaucrat — to work into the wee hours, posing as patrons and hunting for tolerance of smoking by clubs’ employees."

The obvious rants are that Bloomberg is declaring open war on NYC's hospitality industry and the natural backlash when you try to dictate how someone runs their business which use to be private property. The thing that really caught my attention was the 'deputizing' of a team of "younger and hipper-looking" inspectors. As far as I am concerned, these guys are Bloomberg's brown shirts or the Bloomberg Youth. I can not believe I am looking at this unfold in an America city. This is what happens when politicians don't know their history. Prohibition ended up criminalizing normal law abiding citizens rather than bring the sort of utopia its supporters envisioned. It also created generations of criminal empires. Now here we go again. The business owners lose their business, the employees their jobs and the city loses tax revenue. It's not even worth a rant to describe how this Mayor is acting.

Food is the new tobacco.

2010-03-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

Food is the new tobacco

Los Angeles Councilwoman proposes ban on fast food

In a recent series of comment wars about a smoking ban, I made the unoriginal point that this won't stop with tobacco - food is next. The response was the typical tirade concerning my mental stability and other rude comments not related to the subject at hand. With Mayor Bloomberg's war on transfat and salt and now these recent articles, I would love to hear how the fast food eating, salt loving, tobacco haters would comment. Ronald McDonald, your days are numbered. All you fast food franchise owners out there that didn't stand up for your local tobacconist the Nanny Staters came for them, please keep your shout of injustice quiet, you'll simply annoy those of us who tried to warn you.

Big Tobacco, Big Government vs. Native Americans

2010-03-13T06:36:00.000-08:00

Government and Big Tobacco make Native Americans the Low Man on the Totem Pole

All of us jaded tobacco users know it is not about terrorism funding. When politicians talk about keeping tobacco out of children’s hands, it makes me want to vomit. Why? I think America's children and parents would be better served if our government would focus more time on keeping child molesters off the street. Tobacco taxation is simply a way to extract tax money from the lower middle class and poor. End stream-of -thought rant.

The PACT ACT has passed the Senate!

2010-03-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Major Hurdle Cleared in Regulating Tax-Free Internet and Mail-Order Tobacco

I called an online cigar and pipe tobacco retailer today and they stated that it shouldn't affect pipe tobacco. This targets primarily online cigarettes and smokeless tobacco with an exemption for cigars. No mention at all of pipe tobacco. Hopefully it stays that way. Special Note:  Certain states already have a shipping ban on tobacco products - with the exception of cigars - into their state. If the PACT ACT did apply to pipe tobacco, than it would mean a national shipping ban.

Nick Hogan Set Free!

2010-03-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

Landlord who defied smoking ban freed from jail after punters pay his fine

Jailed smoking ban martyr is freed by a mystery crusader's cash

New York Nanny State Marches On!

2010-03-10T20:33:00.000-08:00

Chefs Call Proposed New York Salt Ban 'Absurd'

This comes as no surprise to those that understand how the health nazis think. They won't stop with tobacco. Hopefully they will overplay their hand and be forced to the fringes of society before all our rights are taken away in the name of 'good public health".

Senecas See Comeback Over Sale of Cigarettes

2010-03-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

Senecas See Comeback Over Sale of Cigarettes

I say three cheers for the Seneca Indians and three jeers for the author of this NYT article for writing such a biased, one-sided column. Hopefully this means that the PACT ACT will be defeated again. This isn't just about cigarettes; it could affect all mail-order tobacco business in the U.S. Most of these businesses are mom and pop operations. So is this journalist for Big Tobacco who supports the PACT ACT, or for the Indians and mom and pop stores that only have a small share of the market?

If he is doing it for the children - which I doubt - than what about all the children who rely on the money that supports them from these businesses that are targeted by the PACT ACT? Seems like the parents are ultimately responsible to make sure their kids don't order tobacco by mail not legislation that harms a person's business.

"Cocaine of superiority."

2010-03-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

'I'm the President': Tiger Woods In The White House

“Contrary to the headlines, Tiger's real addiction was not to sex or women, it was to the cocaine of superiority, which in turn induces a sense of entitlement.”

I love that term - "cocaine of superiority". It seems any elected official that seeks to enact laws for our own good suffer from this narcotic. They look down on the very people that make this country function.

I'll use my parents as an example for the sort of people that these entitled public servants would most likely look down on.

Both of my parents are immigrants. Both work in workshops. No college education. Not even a GED. With such a resume, what did they manage to do?

Raise two children who went onto college and now have families of their own.

Pay off their home, have no debts, put one of their children through college and manage to have enough saved for retirement.

They were able to put enough money aside to send their children to their mother country to spend summers to be able to build relationships with family there.

When I look at my parents I see two very intelligent, self sacrificing individuals that are an inspiration to me.

When I look at the current crop of the entitled class of politicians at the state and local level I see individuals -with some exceptions - that have lead our country into a deep debt hole and make decisions everyday that hurt families and business. They feel that they are smarter than people like my parents and can best tell them how to live their lives. I beg to differ.

Pipe Tobacco Tax Update.

2010-03-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

Rangel steps down as tax panel chairman

Charles Rangel is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which is the committee that H.R. 4439: To amend the IRS code of 1986 to impose the same rate of tax on pipe tobacco as is imposed on roll-your-own tobacco has been referred to. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2010 and currently has one co-sponsor. With this sort of drama playing out on the committee, one can only hope that the bill will continue to sit in committee where it will die - at least for this legislative year. Dare we dream?

The latest count on the Stop the Pipe Tobacco Tax Petition.

Cheers!

List of smoking bans in the United States

2010-03-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

As of December 18, 2009.

Check Wikipedia for updates.

Nick Hogan six months in jail.

2010-03-01T16:36:00.000-08:00

Thank yous go to The Smoker's Club for staying on top of these stories...

"Nick Hogan was the first person to be prosecuted under the new smoking laws.

He will spend six months in prison after refusing to pay a fine.

REMINDER: Tobacco is a legal product, and he was on his own property!"

It doesn't take too much imagination to see this sort of thing happening here in the U.S. It is just a matter of time.

How is it a good thing when you criminalize individuals for standing up for their property rights?

The Comments Wars - Not for the faint of heart

2010-03-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in my previous post about getting out there and posting comments to articles related to smoking bans. I would also add to that any article related to tobacco tax increases.

Be warned, no matter how civil you are you will receive the nastiest comments and most on a personal level. I suspect that Nanny State girly men do not want to be confronted with opposition. Of course, I refrain from name calling when I do post comments to articles. The point is to put information out there to get people thinking and not to alienate others. It doesn't mean we can't have fun - a sense of humor can go a long way in making a point as well. Again, be warned, what will be funny to normal folks will illicit anger on the humorless individuals that fight for high tobacco taxes and draconian smoking bans that don't even allow for cigar bar and tobacconist exemptions.

This leads me to the observation that the people that we as a collective group of easygoing tobacco users are dealing with have an extremely over inflated, out-of-control sense of entitlement.

There I was, conducting a back and forth of comments with an individual that did not understand my point of leaving smoking bans up to business owners. Fine, let’s look for a compromise. How about cigar bar exemptions? One individual agreed; however, a more caustic individual simply ignored my point and proceeded to rant that they have a right not to be next to someone lighting up a tobacco product. Either he missed that I was referring to a cigar bar or he truly has such a level of entitlement that he feels he has a right to walk into a cigar bar and not have anyone smoke near him.

I refrained from calling him a girly man so as not to insult women who have more fiber than this guy. This leads to a ‘shout out’ to the Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey Team. Way to show the world real winners can still celebrate with a good cigar!

Maybe the silver lining around these difficult economic times will be less tolerance for these entitled cultural nannies. You can’t have a Nanny State without “cultural nannies” populating it. A cultural nanny feels that their brain pan is so superior to the mere mortals they are forced to exist with that they know what is best for all. That whatever enters their brain and they deem “truth” ends debate forever.

OK, that was a self-indulgent rant, but since I and my one follower are the only ones reading, than no individuals with sensitive dispositions will be harmed by my words.

IPCPR Questions Missouri Smoking Ban Proposal

2010-03-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

Premium Cigar Association Questions Missouri Smoking Ban Proposal

Chris McCalla, the legislative director of the IPCPR, has been doing a great job getting out there and challenging smoking bans at the state level.

Chris has been repeating this message across the country and all of us who enjoy cigars, pipes and yes, cigarettes -can't be a hypocrite now, can I - should be posting these quotes on every comment page related to smoking bans.

"Jobs are lost and businesses suffer as a result of legislated smoking bans, and a statewide ban would further add to Missouri’s labor miseries."

""The Fed has found that, based on impartial data generated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, significant employment declines result from forced smoking bans, especially in bars and restaurants."

"The marketplace is deciding what businesses should allow smoking or not, and that’s the way it should be. Government shouldn't be taking away the rights of business owners to run their enterprises as the market dictates, not big government. There are plenty of restaurants and other businesses that already have declared themselves smoke-free, so there's no need to take away the rights of other business owners by forcing them to ban smoking on their premises."

"For those questioning overstated claims regarding the health aspects of incidental secondhand smoke, I would refer them to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA has set acceptable levels for secondhand smoke up to 25,000 safer than normally found in restaurants and bars."

"We do not represent 'big tobacco.' Our members have every right to sell their legal products to adults and their customers should have every right to enjoy those products on premise and off where permitted by business owners, not by legislated decrees. The legislature should be spending their time creating jobs, not sacrificing them to special interest groups."

Comments I posted concerning the Indiana Smoking Ban

2010-02-27T23:29:00.000-08:00

Officials: Weak smoking ban hurts Indianapolis' hospitality efforts

On December 8, 2005 Washington State implemented a strict smoking ban. There was a great jazz/cigar bar in Olympia Washington. People of all backgrounds use to go in there and smoke a cigar and listen to jazz music. Today it is a chain restaurant that kept the name that blends in with all the others. Now the only cigar bars left in Washington are on Indian Reservations. I just don't understand why not leave the choice of being smoke free to the owner of the business. Odds are the majority will choose being smoke free if it is better for business and leave a few places for ladies and gentlemen to enjoy a good cigar. Add to that the fact that most states have no money and enforcement of smoking bans tends to cost more than is taken in with fines. I really miss The Spar and I am sure the old owner misses his business. As a side note - Winston Churchill smoked on average 10 cigars/day. He lived to be 90. Clementine Churchill, second-hand smoke 'victim' passed away at 92.

A Gentlemen's Sport

2010-02-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

Found this link on Pipe Smokers Intelligencer. Great articles on a pipe smoking competition.

Smoking out the competition
Winner of the event is the one who made the pipe burn the longest. But everyone had a good time.

There are some nasty comments like, "chickentown said...first place wins cancer! awesome news."

I don't have the medical studies to back it up, but life experience tells me that 'chickentown' has a greater chance of developing an illness due to a sour disposition than those pipe smokers that are simply gathering to enjoy a friendly contest and the fellowship of like minded, freedom loving individuals. I don't wish 'chickentown' any ill or illness for that matter, just some friendly advice to simply skip the articles they don't like.

Funny but so very sad...

2010-02-18T14:13:00.000-08:00

The Privacy of Smoke by Waiter

I found this blog posting on The Smoker's Club Website. It is telling when Waiter stands up to these anti-tobacco bullies they are at a loss. They are so use to looking down the ends of their noses at people with no one calling them on their arrogance that when confronted by someone with backbone they scurry off in a huff. I had no idea that the highly funded brainwashing of the anti-tobacco movement had created such a phobia for tobacco smoke. It seems to me the pollutants in the air on any given day in New York City would be far worse to breathe in than simply smelling cigar smoke. Personally when I catch a whiff of cigar or pipe smoke I am looking for the source so I can pass on a compliment and ask what they are smoking.

The individuals complaining about Waiter's cigar smoke seem to be joyless, paranoid individuals with no sense of proportion. As far as I am concerned, these individuals would fall into place nicely as brown shirts if a totalitarian regime were to grab the reins of power.

The Lies Behind The Smoking Bans!

2010-02-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

Free literature to print and share.

The Lies Behind The Smoking Bans!

"Smokers often find themselves in the uncomfortable position of defending their chosen practice against accusations by family, friends, or even complete strangers that they are harming people around them. That accusation has been the basis for smoking bans extending far beyond reason and is usually backed up by vague waves at "mountains of studies," claims that "all the experts agree," assurances that bans will be "cost-free" and "won’t hurt employment," and the repetition of empty but powerful sound bites learned from MTV and professional press-releases." (Read on...)

Nice Letter to the Editor

2010-02-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Editor: Tobacco Taxes No Way to Fund Medicaid

A cigarette tax increase is not a reliable way of raising revenue, and the brunt of the burden will fall disproportionately on lower-income individuals ("Taxes key in competing health legislation," Feb. 3).

Tobacco taxes are an unsustainable and risky way to fund health care, because they rely on a very narrow tax base and encourage smuggling and other untaxed purchases. This unreliable tax revenue stream will dry up, but of course Medicaid costs will keep rising. It won't be long before these tobacco tax advocates come back looking for more money from all Georgia taxpayers, not just smokers.

It is no surprise that states with higher "sin" tax rates often have higher overall tax burdens as well. In the end, Georgia legislators need to focus on giving more control to consumers and reforming the state's inefficient Medicaid program.

JOHN NOTHDURFT
The Heartland Institute
Chicago, Ill.

This letter to the editor was originally published in the Savannah Morning News.

Good for the Greeks!

2010-02-05T22:53:00.000-08:00

Smoking ban ‘not working’

Being somewhat familiar with Greek culture, it came as no surprise that the Greeks don’t take kindly to being told what to do. For that matter, no one does.

Greece was better off before joining the EU. They missed the opportunity to welcome back all the baby boom era Greeks that left Greece for America, Britain and Germany. They left for the opportunity to raise their families under better economic circumstances.

Their children are raised and having families of their own now. A large potion of the Greek Diaspora had assumed that when they retired they would be able to retire to Greece – at least part of the time - where there was a lower cost of living. Try buying a cup of coffee or beer in Greece now.

I remember spending summers in Greece as a kid in the 70s and 80s. The streets where filled with tourists and life. Now fast forward to 2007 - empty streets and no life.

This brings to mind a great movie – Demolition Man. If you are looking for a quality acting experience you will be sadly disappointed. The beauty of this movie is in the message. It portrays two parallel societies. One seems perfect with no material want and everything is clean – you just have to abide by the nanny state rules of no red meat, no smoking, and no cursing and so on. The other society is underground and made up of people that don’t want to trade in the things that make life interesting and fun. Does this sound familiar?

I am not condoning cussing and other anti-social behavior mind you – I have small children after all. What I do believe in is letting the individual chose if they are going to eat read meat, smoke or (insert your preference here) without government taxing and pushing to do otherwise.

It seems that the prohibitionists are coming at us from both the right and left. The only difference is in the approach. Some are doing it for our own good, while others are just plain zealots to have things like tobacco removed from what they envision as a perfect society.

Good for the Greeks pushing back. I do have to say that the whole smoking in a hospital thing is a bit much - but I'm sure it is done away from the patients. :)

Intolerant and Disingenuous.

2010-02-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

How far does the pendulum have to swing this go around before people have had enough and it swings back the other way - toward freedom?

Nice editorial from The Seattle Times.

Ban on tobacco use in Seattle parks is intolerant and disingenuous

12,316 and Counting

2010-01-27T06:33:00.000-08:00

Stop the Pipe Tobacco Tax

Sign the Petition : 12, 316 Letters and Emails Sent So Far

A modest number of e-mails and letters sent, but still promising. Hopefully even none pipe smokers will sign on in recognition that this sort of behavior modification through taxation or worse - de facto prohibition through taxation - needs to stop.

"Them" and "They" Explained

2010-01-26T16:39:00.000-08:00

Just a quick entry explaining that I am intentionally using "they" and "them" or other various pronouns when referring to elected officials or members of anti-tobacco, anti-freedom groups. I will mention names in connection to certain bills, or news stories, but otherwise would like to keep the focus of my rant on individual's policies and actions. So in referring to the "Health Nazis" I am primarily describing individual actions and behavior and not making a direct attack or personnel judgment call against individuals I personally know nothing about. I won't name call to a person's face, so I certainly won't do it in cyberspace - unless they really, really deserve it. Cheers!

Health Nazis on the March!

2010-01-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

Washington State cigar and pipe smokers are facing yet another increase on taxes if House Bill 2493 and Senate Bill 6443 pass into law. As many of us know, it isn't about revenue collection with these officials; it’s about their crusade to ban a legal product because they feel that they were elected to protect us from ourselves. Not a cigar or pipe smoker? What do you like? Alcohol? Soda? Donuts? French Fries?

If they succeed in driving tobacconists out of business they won't stop there. When someone is on a health crusade all is fair game. Anyone out there still think that government should control health care? Still don't believe me. Take a look at this video from CIGAR ASSOCATION of WASHINGTON and look at how self satisfied the representative is with their efforts to destroy someone's business. They freely admit that they are going to use taxation to destroy a legitimate business all in the name of their health crusade.

They wish to use the power of the state to seize and destroy someone’s property. Is there a lawyer in the house!

"BAN TOBACCO IN WASHINGTON"

H.R. 4439 - 775% Increase in Pipe Tobacco Tax!!!

2010-01-23T23:02:00.000-08:00

It was only a matter of time. Just two co-sponsor so far, but expect more. This doesn't makes sense - in bad economic times enact a tax increase that will destroy more business. Right at this moment I am too angry to provide any comments. These representatives are truly out of touch with reality. They need to be voted out and forced to go back to their home states and find real jobs in the real world.

Read it and weep...

H.R. 4439
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose the same rate of tax on pipe tobacco as is imposed on roll-your-own tobacco.

The fight begins...

Stop a 775% Tax Increase on Pipe Tobacco!

Why the Tyrants Can Never Win

2010-01-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

From the Tenth Amendment Center.

The American Dream: Why the Tyrants Can Never Win

Our Founders had a profound understanding of human nature and of the burning desire for freedom that is planted in the very essence of who we are as human beings. This is why the Constitution was written so as to allow that yearning for freedom to flourish and grow. (Read on...)

Outstanding Book!

2010-01-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

Several posts back I recommended some books that I had looked over. I am slowly making my way through that list. So far I give two BIG thumbs up to Mr. King's book. It is full of some eye opening stories of "Nanny State" government at its best. The best part is that it was written in 2008 so it is current and you get the benefit of seeing that some predictions made in the book have come to pass in the last year.

The reason I cared enough to start ranting in cyberspace is the fact that the Nanny State is on the march. I don't smoke enough (pipes and cigars) to feel the pinch of the war on tobacco like a cigarette smoker, but I know well enough that it won't stop there and Mr. King does a fantastic job at painting that picture.

Just a taste of what you will find:

"But here is the line that I think says it all, vindication, so to speak, for writing this book..."We need much more innovative methods to persuade people to change their lifestyles for the 21st century, supported by regulatory and legislative framework." Professor Peter Kopelman (University of London) said that, and if that weren't enough, here is the kicker: "There are other examples of public health measures that have eventually followed this line - cigarette smoking being the exemplar."

There you have it. It's not about tobacco, it's about those in our world that seek to create a society in their own image and individual freedom be damned.

Michigan: Smoking ban could cripple bar business

2010-01-21T17:44:00.000-08:00

Found this posted at: SmokersClub Forum Index -> Michigan

Like the post says, a little late. They are spot on though. All those smug anti-tobacco activists think they are saving lives and their communities in the process. In the end, the tax revenues that dry up as a result will have to come from some place else.

Smoking ban could cripple bar business

Article comment:

"Ewwww, I Don't Like That" Said in a patronizing tone.

Posted by W J, Olympia,WA - Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 1:01 a.m.

I am originally from and grew up in the U.P.

I was aware that the Michigan Legislature was in the decision making process of approving or disapproving smoking bans.

Seriously considered writing to lawmakers to share plausible effects as the result of the toughest smoking ban in the country that was inacted in Washington State several years ago.

The current economic problems in the country but especially damaging in Michigan were of concern when I thought of a deeper downslide brought on by a possible smoking ban.

Have lived on the West Coast in Washington State for many years.

I remember the same arguments were given in this area such as a loss of business in bars/tavern's would only be short term and that revenue would actually increase overall.

The route I have driven every afternoon/evening when I return home from work through a business area that contains several bars/taverns has changed in appearance.

Before the "smoking ban" people socialized at these establishments but now when I drive by there usually is only one busy day instead of five and this was well before the economy took a downturn.

A previous comment was written by J.S. of Esky that the patrons would return later.

Actually, smokers now socialize with friends at home and do not patronize the bars.

I believe most smoker's would not have issue with not smoking in eating establishments but a bar is different.

Would it not be fair to require a sign be posted as to if a bar is smoking or non-smoking and possibly give some kind of incentive to a non-smoking establishment but let it be the choice of the owner?

Locally, all public places, to include outdoor auto racetracks, which have always had family and general sections, are non-smoking.

There has been a dramatic decrease in revenue due to smoking bans.

Once regulation gets a heavy hand it goes from one thing to the next. Issue is taken with many subjects from alcohol to riding motorcycles and noise volume, etc.

Now, the smoking ban probably has decreased the amount of smoking in this state, decreased tax revenue. As predicted by many in this area and now going into force, tax increases to make up for loss.

Michigan will suffer further.

It use to be so nice to come home to Michigan where people were not so uptight and tightly regulated.

Be ready for more and more tax increases due to lost revenue.

A voice of reason in a sea of tax insanity.

2010-01-17T23:45:00.000-08:00

No need to add to this. Nice to see that there are voices of reason out there.

Proposed Washington Tobacco Tax Increases Cause Committees to Clash

Tough Economy Calls for Change - Smoke a Pipe!

2010-01-17T16:46:00.000-08:00

I came across this article from the author's pipe repair website.

Walker Briar Works

Funny thing is that I was just in Manchester Michigan while visiting family for Christmas - small world. When I am in need of pipe restoration or repair I will be happy to provide my home state with much needed commerce.

Tough Economy Calls for Change - Smoke a Pipe!

Of course, in this day and age the anti-tobacco forces are even trying to make sure that pipe smoking becomes too expensive for the average American - and these days we are all average Americans outside of the over paid political 'class'. Fortunately we can vote them out! Let's hope that we can vote in freedom loving citizens and will show the door to these politicians hoping for a second career as lobbyists - maybe in a perfect world.

Save the Children from Tobacco!

2010-01-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

It boggles the mind when the injustice of tobacco shipping bans or high taxes is mentioned not far behind is the excuse that it is "for the children". Assuming that the high minded individuals in government are making these decisions for the children, it begs the question. "Where are the parents?" And since when was the purpose of elected government to be surrogate parents to the nation’s children? Don't get me wrong, I am the father of a 3 year old girl and a 7 month old boy and I would move heaven and earth to protect my babies.

There is a legitimate place for government and that is to protect our communities and in turn our families from harm - criminal harm by individuals that would seek to rob our homes and harm our children in the physical sense. There are a multitude of laws in place to prevent minors from buying tobacco and thus help parents in keeping a product meant for adults out of their hands. When someone violates those laws there are fines and even prison time.

I am going somewhere with this.

The raising of the cost of tobacco through taxation and shipping bans ends up keeping the product away from adults. In a recent hearing for a proposed bill to exempt pipe tobacco from a shipping ban the reason for the ban was - drum roll - for the children. 30,000 pipe smoking children to be exact.

Wow! 30,000! That is quite a large number of children to protect. With such a large number of pipe smoking children you would think that I would at least see a few walking down the street puffing on a nice $50 briar pipe. Of course we should ask for clarification on how many of that 30,000 are pot pipe smokers. We are talking about a tobacco shipping ban after all. Don't get me started on the proposed legalization of pot. How would that be good for the children?

Yes, another day, another rant. Message to all elected officials and individuals that collect a pay check from BIG anti-tobacco, please let parents raise their own children. It is my job to ensure that my children stay away from liquor, tobacco and other substances not meant for them. It is the job of our government and local authorities to keep criminals off the streets and our communities safe from those wishing to do us harm.

You do your job and I'll do mine.