[Gaffer]

I find it highly instructive that talk of illicit sales of cigarettes talk centers primarily on whether they are properly taxed or not rather than the so-called and heartfelt concern the State as STATE bears for the health of its citizens.

It is all about money. Once and ALWAYS.

[cripplecreek]

This story from 2009 doesn't mention that the "breathtaking decline" in revenue came following massive increases in the tax on tobacco.

Michigan Lottery sales, taxes on cigarettes and casino gambling plummet; Gov. Jennifer Granholm says revenue decline is 'breathtaking'

[Gay State Conservative]

It is all about money. Once and ALWAYS.

You betcha! If forced to choose between the outlawing of cigarettes and taxing the bejesus out of them I'd go for banning...for several reasons,one of which is that cigarettes have caused enormous death and carnage in my family.

I was in Manhattan a few weeks ago and cigarettes there go for $12 a pack!