Taxing Smokers: Proposition 99

It has come to my attention that the law enforcement officials have, fortunately, amended their lapse of judgment on Proposition 99. It seems that after carefully probing and considering the matter, they have decided to halt opposition to higher taxes on tobacco. I applaud their wise decision.

It is understood that a portion of the money which will be received from these taxes will be used, in part, for tobacco-related disease research. I find it abhorrent that any money from the nonsmoking taxpayers’ pockets should go to this research. It is only tobacco users who should render part of their salaries for these diseases which they have consciously caused. Hopefully, Proposition 99 will be passed, and smokers will find that replenishing their unhealthy habit might just be too expensive.

MARISOL OCAMPO

Los Angeles