[gridlock]

We're stepping up enforcement because too many lives and too much money is at stake. New Yorkers lost an estimated $40 million in uncollected tax revenue last year alone - revenue that could have been used to support safety, education and other vital services during these tough budget times.

I thought the tax was about discouraging smoking, since it's dangerous and all. Turns out it's all about feeding the machine. Who knew!

[hellinahandcart]

Turns out it's all about feeding the machine.

Bloomberg didn't even bother to spin the decision to raise parking fines from $55 to $110 (and the fine doubles if you don't pay your ticket within ten days). I was looking forward to hearing how many lives that was going to save.

[LowOiL]

I thought the tax was about discouraging smoking, since it's dangerous and all. Turns out it's all about feeding the machine. Who knew!

Good point and rational there Gridlock. You bring out a very good point...

[KarlInOhio]

I thought the tax was about discouraging smoking, since it's dangerous and all. Turns out it's all about feeding the machine. Who knew!

In the 19th century, Napoleon III commented about tobacco, "This vice brings in one hundred million francs in taxes every year. I will certainly forbid it at once -- as soon as you can name a virtue that brings in as much revenue."