Comments on: Only The First Step

By: The Reverend

The Reverend — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:22:39 +0000

King says..

"Why then, it must be tax INCREASES that increase demand, as if smokers are going to smoke MORE now that cigarettes are much more expensive."

Obviously, there's no communication here. Yes, some folks will finally quit, other new and younger people will start smoking. The tax revenue won't fall off a cliff anytime soon, and Tory states why not, above.

There are times for tax cuts….this is not one of those times.

Over time, as the smoker rolls decline, I agree that revenues will decline….but by then the nation should be on a single payer universal plan…as it should be.

By: Tory Bug

Tory Bug — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:13:51 +0000

And, I've stated this before, but I'll say it again. I HAVE NEVER WATCHED/HEARD RUSH LIMBAUGH. I actually don't like anyone who is vehemently conservative or liberal. Now put down *your* Kool-Aid, you liberal Nazis, before I can't pay my bills for all the taxes you're planning to heap on me.

By: Tory Bug

Tory Bug — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:07:52 +0000

Don't be so naive, Rev. Obama knows that smokers are addicted. It's very hard to quit. Trust me, I know personally. When the state I lived in raised the cigarette tax, I shrugged and plunked down the extra money for my fix. I only stopped because I got a job in an airport, where smoking is flat-out impossible.

But, I know that a young college student (most of us start in high school or college) wouldn't be able to afford it. Yeah, it might be better for their health, but how is Obama going to pay for his massive health care plan when the number of smokers declines, rather than increases? Start taxing everything? It'll be like the movie, "Popeye". "Well, first of all, there's 17¢ new-in-town tax, and there's 45¢ rowboat-under-the-wharf tax, and one dollar leaving-your-junk-lying-around-the-wharf tax, so all together, you owe the Commodore $1.87."

By: Da King

Da King — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:47:16 +0000

larry,
I think we understimated Mr. Obama. He's appearing to be even MORE socialist than was thought.

It's only been TWO WEEKS. Yikes.

And the Rev has already been calling for Obama dissenters to be thrown in jail. Gen. Petraeus for one. I hope that's not contagious.

By: Da King

Da King — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:41:28 +0000

I'd like to congratulate Rev and Big Mac for advocating tax increases during a recession. That has been tried before and FAILED every single time, without exception. It only makes the recession worse.

Why is it that Democrats NEVER think the government is spending too much ? They always complain about the tax cuts, even as the government is doubling and tripling in size. I don't get it.

And Rev, that was a good one about tax cuts not increasing demand. Very funny. Why then, it must be tax INCREASES that increase demand, as if smokers are going to smoke MORE now that cigarettes are much more expensive. Y'all kill me with that stuff. Ever take math in school ? You know, like 2 + 2 and all that ? Guess not.

By: Big Mac

Big Mac — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:51:57 +0000

You know every once in a while Rush mixes the Kool-aid a little strong and the Kooks come out in force. Yes the increased expeditures are at least attempted to be paid by a revenue increase, something Rush did not tell you was needed during Bush the seconds presidency, so you don't think it is neccessary now. I will make it simple for you. If you increase spending (except to try to pull your country out of Neo-con doo-doo) you need to increase revenue. Something that Democratic presidents seem to have figured out over the almost twenty years and something that Republican presidents have never figured out.

By: averagejoe5

averagejoe5 — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:14:19 +0000

Rev, because it doesnt make sense. We are trying to get people to stop smoking for their heatlh, but we are also going to fund insurance for millions of kids betting on the fact that they will continue to smoke and hopefully more people will smoke to fund this. But when this happens it is going to cause more adults to get cancer and other smoking related diseases, putting a further strain on healthcare. Who is getting paid? As usual a Liberal scheme to take advantage of the people the say they want to help. I can't wait to see what will happen to the fat people and smokers when the rest of universal healthcare kicks in.

By: averagejoe5

averagejoe5 — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:05:31 +0000

Can someone tell me how both the Democrats and the Republicans have balls so big that they can take our money in the middle of a severe recession near depression with unemployment claims shooting to 634K, and go on week long retreats to 5 star resorts, where they take their entire families and nannies, like they are right now. They already work only a little over 100 days and make $200k per year plus expenses. This is an outrage. I guess we have to cut back but not them?
I hope little Lenin chastizes them for these actions. But, he probably won't since now it is his turn to turn the heat to 80 and eat $300 a plate Koby Beef dinners.

By: The Reverend

The Reverend — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:02:35 +0000

King, dude…..you must clear your head…..you're starting to worry me.

Is it legal to smoke cigarettes? Yes.

Is cigarette smoking bad for personal health? Yes.

Will some smokers stop smoking because prices go up 60 cents per pack? Yes

Will all smokers simply quit because it costs too much? No.

Will using the tax increase help pay for many more children to get health coverage? Yes.

Why then is this win-win situation driving you crazy?

Sorry, but your continued advocacy for "failed policies" is showing……why in the sam hill would you continue cheering for "failed policies" that the American people rejected?

Tax cuts do not stimulate demand. Never have, never will.

By: roysoldboy

roysoldboy — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:31:28 +0000

When St. Barack admits that the S-CHIP thing is just the first step I start to think that he is looking well past that point at getting the remainder of his 45 million uninsured group in on the government paid insurance program. Of course, this will include everybody very soon as the rest need to take a serious look at how much better others have it in not having to pay their own health insurance costs. I think he may well achieve what Daschle was supposed to accomplish in his only term in office.

By: larry d.

larry d. — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:24:14 +0000

The wingnut kooks who screamed socialist during the election season don't seem so kooky right now.