Sin taxes

Does the concept of raising taxes on people with an addiction sound unethical to anybody else?

They could rationlize the unhealthyness of smoking/drinking, or how some people do manage to quit, but at the end of the day we're targeting people who we know have an addiction problem, and using them as a source of revenue..

That just seems wrong.

It's unAmerican. Let people **** up their own miserable lives.

Originally posted by MS Warehouse
It's unAmerican. Let people **** up their own miserable lives.

That isn't what LIBERAL Democrats think.

Originally posted by cdtm
Does the concept of raising taxes on people with an addiction sound unethical to anybody else?

They could rationlize the unhealthyness of smoking/drinking, or how some people do manage to quit, but at the end of the day we're targeting people who we know have an addiction problem, and using them as a source of revenue..

That just seems wrong.

What's your alternative? Make cigarettes and alcohol cheaper, so that it will be easier for not only current addicts to poison and kill themselves, but to attract and hook new ones as well?

Economic pressure is one of the most effective methods of influence there is.

If anything, the current taxes should be doubled, then used to fund addiction treatment centers, preventive education, and community activities.

Originally posted by bluewaterrider
What's your alternative? Make cigarettes and alcohol cheaper, so that it will be easier for not only current addicts to poison and kill themselves, but to attract and hook new ones as well?

Economic pressure is one of the most effective methods of influence there is.

If anything, the current taxes should be doubled, then used to fund addiction treatment centers, preventive education, and community activities.

This is why we need to legalize weed and all other drugs.

This idea is extremely stupid, people with addictions aren't going to magically give them up because of heavier taxes, if anything the increased stress is going to push them further until they nurse their addictions right into the street.

Just like in the good old days.

Originally posted by FinalAnswer
This idea is extremely stupid, people with addictions aren't going to magically give them up because of heavier taxes, if anything the increased stress is going to push them further until they nurse their addictions right into the street.

Perhaps you've forgotten that most public places don't allow smoking either?

Also, even assuming, without any evidence to back your claim, that current addicts would be unaffected, you're ignoring that higher taxes lowers the number of FUTURE addicts, because they reduce usage among younger people or among those who would take up habits that would become addictions if they could afford to start in the first place.

Here, read a few paragraphs from the following:

https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0146.pdf

In a life or death situation, pick life.

Legalize drugs. Let the stupid kill themselves. They will find a way no matter what.

It's evolution. Can't beat biology.

I find this just as wrong as red light camera's. These aren't there to protect people, they are there to go 'Gotcha! Give me $75!". They are there to make money. If the government could press a magical button to prevent all minor traffic violations from ever happening again..they wouldn't do it. They need that sweet sweet cash.

Shut up

🙁