Black Market for Cigarettes

* “New Tax Fires Ingenuity of State’s Die-Hard Smokers” (Nov. 16), about a possible black market for cigarettes resulting from the voter-approved tax increase, laments an anticipated loss of $50 million in tax revenues. However, that figure pales in comparison to the $1.7 billion Californians bear for Medi-Cal health care costs caused by tobacco use--a figure 34 times greater.

In reality, the majority of Californians live too far from another state to cross the border for cigarettes. More importantly, children certainly can’t jump into their cars to make a run for the border. The average teen smoker starts at age 13 and is addicted by age 14. If higher prices prevent them from ever starting on the road to addiction and almost certain illness, the state will save billions of dollars with this new law. We will also save something far more valuable than money--human lives.

CHARLES G. SMITH

Public Issues Chair

American Cancer Society

L.A. County Region

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Re “Cigarette Tax Measure Wins Close Race,” Nov. 12: I voted no on Proposition 5 for fear it would compete with our state lottery, thus cutting in on revenues for our schools. I voted no on Proposition 10 because it unfairly taxes a minority who use a legal substance. Now that both 5 and 10 passed, how ironic! We can purchase cigarettes at Indian casinos and save money on taxes--no need to drive to Nevada.

MICHAEL MARKARIAN

Los Angeles