Amendment 35: Up in Smoke
by Jon Caldara | 3:32 pm, January 7, 2009 | Comments Off
It’s no secret that virtually any law, no matter how unpopular, can be passed if it’s “for the children.” This rule applies especially to laws that target politically unpopular groups like smokers. So it’s no wonder Amendment 35 was passed in 2004, which essentially put a sin tax on cigarettes with the proceeds going to fund health care for the poor, uninsured, and “the children.” Unfortunately, the sin tax ended up doing what sin taxes do - reduce the targeted behavior, which in this case was smoking. Less people smoking resulted in less revenue. Thus, senior fellow Mike Krause in his latest op-ed writes a sort of call to arms for smokers. Otherwise, the nannyists will have to target other politically unpopular behavior for additional revenue streams. Which ultimately means watch out if you enjoy sweets, red meat, alcohol, or strip clubs. (You mean I’ve gotta pay tax on my lap dances now??) Here’s the punchline:
So if you already smoke, good job and carry on. You are performing a valuable civic duty and deserve a gold-plated Zippo lighter embossed with the Colorado state seal. This, of course, should come out of the busy-bodies’ share of the tobacco tax. It’s the least they could do. If you are an ex-smoker, don’t worry, in a few short weeks, you should be comfortably back in the saddle, just like the Marlboro Man. Best part is you can do it guilt free, as a majority of Colorado voters have given you the go ahead. If you have never smoked, what the heck are you waiting for? Make smoking a New Year’s resolution … it shouldn’t be long before you are up to a pack a day and doing your part for health care in Colorado.
That’s right Colorado, smoke up! A child’s life depends on it.
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