[estrogen]

When are the smokers going to get so fed up they protest in a meaningful way? I can't believe this assault on a legal activity.
If I knew of a way to mobilize smokers to do something that would draw attention to our plight and make a change I'd do it....anyone have any ideas

[No.6]

I quit years ago, but sheesh, the Boston Tea Party was held over smaller taxes than this...

[Just another Joe]

Well, I have been putting together a tobacco related newsletter and passing it out to the smoke shops in town.
Although many of the chain smoke shops want nothing to do with a tobacco related newsletter at all. I can't understand that. There is nothing in the newsletter that advertises any particular chain, any particular brand, or anything that would take business away from the shops.

[kcpopps]

"If I knew of a way to mobilize smokers to do something that would draw attention to our plight and make a change I'd do it"

I would like to see smokers fight back too. But what can we do? One website suggests refusing to donate blood and volunteering to be organ donors... That would get some attention if 25% of the population (smokers) pledged to do something like that. That's pretty strong but hey, they pushed first.

The politicians spend recklessly, can't stick within a budget, and just want more and more and more. They will never willingly give up this "revenue" once they get used to spending it. If everyone quit smoking someday, they will tax something else to replace that "revenue" - if there is anything left to tax.

There is a bill in California being ppushed right now to tax SUV owners above other vehicles. (Can't find that link right now)

They think they can tell us what to drive, what to eat, whether we can smoke and no end in sight. NON_SMOKERS - this will not end with smoking - they are coming for you too.

In Missouri, the General Assembly raised taxes by "only'' $112 million”. But to achieve this fake austerity, legislators traded $1 billion in long-term tobacco settlement revenues for $530 million in near term borrowing -- surely one of the most irresponsible moves in state history.

Spending the money before they have it and giving away the equity at the same time.

"Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state has become lawless or corrupt." - Gandhi

[evilsmoker]

When (a very brave company) Cheaper Cigarettes paid to put an initiative on the CA ballot repealing a cig tax NOT ONE of the big companies stepped up to the plate. I helped gather signatures (and the snotty reception I got from some smokers was unbelievable -- but that's another story) and the firm where I dropped off the petitions never bothered to contact me again. I would have gladly worked my butt off for free. After my tenth call asking what I could do to help them they politely told me to stop calling.

I give Cheaper Cigs credit for trying, but they hired a lousy political consulting firm, and they needed some of the big boys to lend a hand but help never arrived.