...impact the poor on April 1st? In the end, this tax will hit the poor. Assuming your next argument is "They shouldn't be smoking", I would remind you of two simple facts...

1. When they stop smoking, the revenue this tax initially planned to generate will dry up
2. I'd like to think they are capable of making decisions on life without you or I stepping in

$.61/pack, an extra $1 a day in taxes (or more). $350 to $500/year in taxes is a realistic number, and a huge number for someone in a low income.

Let me know your thoughts
http://www.heritage.org/Research/HealthCare/wm1548.cfm
In response, some thoughts to consider, and the way I view this are simple. I do not smoke, HOWEVER, the next tax passed may impact me or you...

Butter tax: $6/pound. After all, butter is bad for you, thus it will save billions in health care cost long term....

Church tax: $50/trip collected a tthe door. What the hell (no pun intended) I don't go to church!!

Monday Night Football tax: $15 per game. Its going to a good cause....