Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 23:01:23 GMT From: Paul Halliday <pjghnopsamyonder.co.uk> Subject: Re: OT: taxes (long rant about smoking)
in article 3E25C240.9010902nopsamnline.net, tom reingold at trn244nopsamnline.net wrote on 15/01/2003 20:19: > On 1/15/2003 2:48 PM:Paul Halliday wrote > > >> I don't really mind the fuel tax, > > Spoken like a true European! And that's a compliment, coming from me. Why "coming from you". I got the impression that you applauded the European commitment to alternative methods of transport. >> but I do have a grievance with tobacco and >> alcohol taxes :) > > Really? Why? Taxes on cigarettes just went way up in NYC, and I applaud > that. Are these things any more than luxuries? Oh, you're really asking for a response here :) I'm an addict. If I was a smack-head, the state would put no end of funds into my rehabilitation, but since I'm just a smoker I'll have to put up with condemnation from all quarters. I did actually try to give up last year with the help of a very expensive drug called 'Zyban'. The package said, "do not operate machinery" - it should've said "don't make any f*cking plans". If I was able to proceed through the methedone-like highs and lows, along with the crushing chest pains and blinding headaches I would no longer be a smoker, but my Doctor recommended I stopped the drug and went to see him on a daily basis to make sure I wasn't going to die. I'll keep smoking for now, thanks :) If tobacco tax went direct to the Health Service (which I actually work for) I would be very pleased indeed. Since it does not, I'm a bit narked at having to put up with no end of crap about me being a smoker when I contribute so much to the general health of the economy. Grrrrrr :) When the f*ckers outlaw it totally and armed Police call me out with the cigs above my head, I'll be shouting "come and get me, copper" :) Paul Enjoying a nice fat Old Holborn rolly with a Vodka.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
