The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Ghoulish Delight]

I see SCHIP is back in the news.

Somehow last time around I failed to notice that it was slated to be funded by another cigarette tax.

I have a real issue with that. With funding things with cigarette taxes in general. Doesn't that, you know, leave our government with a vested interest in keeping the number of smokers high?

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

I have a real issue with that. With funding things with cigarette taxes in general. Doesn't that, you know, leave our government with a vested interest in keeping the number of smokers high?

I think it simultaneously encourages smokers to quit (because their habit is getting more expensive) and achieves some public good from those who don't. The problem comes when enough smokers do finally quit, or die, and then these programs wither because their funding has dried up.

Which is (one reason) why I think most recreational drugs should be legalized, regulated and taxed.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Andrew

I think it simultaneously encourages smokers to quit (because their habit is getting more expensive) and achieves some public good from those who don't. The problem comes when enough smokers do finally quit, or die, and then these programs wither because their funding has dried up.

Which is (one reason) why I think most recreational drugs should be legalized, regulated and taxed.

I don't get your logic here. "...their funding has dried up." That was my point. We're creating programs that rely on smokers, a system where every time someone quits smoking, a kid doesn't get health insurance (an exaggeration, obviously, but it makes my point). It doesn't sit well with me, and it makes me question how committed government is to discouraging regulating the dangerous business practices of the smoking industry.