It's not only the Liberals. We have RINO'S in office that are working against us as well.
It all comes down to MONEY! The Tobacco Settlement that was worked out between the Attorney Generals and the Tobacco Company is paying millions into each state. However, what a lot of people do not realize is that the smokers who pay cigarette taxes are paying into the Tobacco Settlement money 100%! Not Big T and NOT the government. It's coming from the people who pay cigarette taxes!
Big T sold out the smokers. Then, when the Governor's had this windfall of "blood money" filling their coffers, they started using this money for everything but what it was intended for. For instance: health care for any sick smoker on welfare, should there BE any.
Now, I am sure you read headlines where the states can't balance their BUDGETS without further taxing cigarettes! MORE hardships on the smokers! Then along came the ANTI's, working with the states Human Services. The anti's are reaping big bucks FROM the Tobacco Settlement (keep in mind that the smokers are paying for), to further control smoking, BAN smoking and keep raising taxes. The longer these groups are in business, the harder it will get for the smokers.
Also, the American Medical Association is working with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Currently, there are 46 states in the pocket of the RWJ Foundation. The higher the taxes on cigarettes, the more control and bans a state imposes on their smokers, the bigger the grants or Blood Money I like call it, will be paid to the state.
It's all about money. Aside from the bans and the control, the Governors have shot a gift horse in the mouth with taxes. Smokers have gone elsewhere to buy cheaper cigarettes, leaving the states scratching their heads and upset because they aren't realizing all that MONEY they thought we would still pay. The MSA turned the states into GLUTTONS.
If you need links, I can provide them for you.