Can you enact a social policy while making the profit?

Question

The price of ciggarettes is being raised again by almost another dollar. On Wednesday, August 1st, H.R. 3162 which included a $4.50 per carton federal cigarette excise tax increase was passed by the US House of Representatives by a vote of 225-204. On Thursday, August 2nd, H.R. 976 which included a $6.10 per carton federal cigarette excise tax increase was passed by the US Senate by a vote of 68-31. Both bills also included increases in the federal excise tax on other tobacco products.

Is it conflict of interest that the government is making so much on ciggerrettes? If you truly believe that this money is all going to positive social programs your naive.

To write your senators:

http://www.stopthefetincrease.com/

Answer 1

These bills have nothing to do with curtailing or stopping the use of tobacco. If it was, they would introduce legislation to make it illegal. This is all about increasing the money collected by the government.

Answer 2

If I understand you correctlly, you are questioning whether government taxation is reasonable, when you don't know the use for the money.  While government is empowered to do this, I think many people have concerns about the use of tax revenue.  I think the best thing I can say is encourage you to continue to participate in the process.

Best to you.

Answer 3

The tax increase on cigarettes is a mode in the exercise of the police power of the state to stop smoking because it is dangerous to health.  It is making profit at the same time a measure to curtail smoking.