Pubdate: Thu, 10 Jan 2013
Source: Patriot Ledger, The  (Quincy, MA)
Copyright: 2013 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.patriotledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1619
Author: Stephen H. Holland

TAX CIGARETTES, LEGALIZE MARIJUANA?

Any attempt to describe commonwealth voters as courageous is an idea 
that must be challenged.

A recent article by the Tobacco-free Community Partnership praised 
them for their wisdom and courage for voting to raise taxes on 
cigarettes by 25 cents a pack back in 1992. This revenue was to be 
used to help smokers in their struggle to quit.

I have no doubt that some have benefited from this program, but my 
experience is that people will quit when they are ready, and as in 
most government programs there is usually as much waste as benefit. 
Nevertheless, the "courageous" voters decided to raise a tax that 
wouldn't affect them in any way and then voted for medical marijuana, 
known for being the camel's nose under the tent regarding total 
decriminalization.

Studies show that other states that have embraced this permissive 
view have found that the consequences are higher traffic deaths and 
injuries, as well as increased lung cancer rates.

Those that vote for an agenda that limits the use of tobacco are 
hardly courageous. But to then flip-flop on a similar medium that 
impairs the judgment of the user, places others at risk, increases 
the chances of lung cancer and carries the heavy burden of increased 
health care costs, I would have to describe as confused.

STEPHEN H. HOLLAND, Pembroke
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom