[AlaskaErik]

I'm no longer a smoker so it doesn't directly affect me.

Yeah, it does. Remember Martin Niemoeller?

Germany 1930's and 40's

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out--because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out--because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out--because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak out for me.

USA 2000's

First they taxed cigarettes, and I did not speak out--because I was not a smoker:
Then they taxed alcohol, and I did not speak out--because I was not a drinker....

Tobacco and alcohol can only be taxed so much. Eventually, you'll be paying exhorbinant taxes on something to feed the insatiable appetite of big government.

[Past Your Eyes]

Please note that I am NOT from Maine. Also note my use of the word directly.

[shooter223]

lets see.......income tax(state&fed sometimes local)...FICA... estate tax...property tax...gasoline tax(state&fed)...liquor tax(state&fed)...tobacco tax(state&fed)...sales tax.......... taxes that are called something else......driver's license... license plates&registration...business license...hunting fishing license...firearms registration&permits.......a partial list at best off the top of my head........where are Franklin,Jefferson,Washington and friends when we need them?