Readers React: Another cigarette tax hike: Haven’t California smokers paid enough?

To the editor: It’s bad enough that California smokers have endured decades of regulations, being demonized as social outcasts at the hands of liberal political elites, the media and Hollywood — and subjected to punishing taxes such as Proposition 10 in 1998, which did not fund healthcare. (“Making the most of a cigarette tax hike,” editorial, Sept. 3)

Indeed, at a time when marijuana is on the verge of being legalized, Democrats are planning a $2-per-pack tax that would expand the tyranny against smokers as well as being a cash cow for government incompetence and waste.

The problem is, the taxes will punish the poor, who smoke more than others — alas, the very people Democrats claim they want to help. Surely, California is on track to crash and burn, exacerbated by forest fire air pollution attacking everyone’s health.

Daniel B. Jeffs, Apple Valley

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To the editor: California has a budget surplus. Fewer than 12% of Californians smoke, while more than half are overweight or obese.

Both of these groups have health problems in one form or another, so why should the 12% pick up the tab for “unspecified” healthcare and prevention programs for all? Sounds like the “moral police” are at work once more.

Brigitte Rose, Reseda

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