I thought I was making precisely the opposite point, but evidently I didn't say it well. Let me try again. I am concerned that excessively high taxation on cigarettes will lead liberals to push for "progressive" taxes elsewhere.
I despise the concept of attempts to alter behavior through taxation. It never has worked, never will, and simply engenders more taxes in an attempt to "balance things" -- never is a tax reduction contemplated in order to even things out. Personally, I'd like to see the same percentage sales tax on milk, Scotch, gasoline, prescription drugs, broccoli, etc.