Kathy said:

“Enough already! Seriously, doesn’t anyone out there see that there are more health problems associated with alcohol abuse than with smokers? Not to mention the pain and suffering caused by drunk drivers, drunken brawls and just plain stupidity. It’s time for us to realize where the bigger problems are and get that extra revenue by increasing taxes on alcohol.”

Dorothy, in response to whether someone should quit, said:

“I say it’s for us to decide, not the government.”

As an aside, I don’t think the government is raising the tax to encourage people to quit. I think they are doing it because smoking is a strong addiction and they know people will pay to have their cigarettes. But at least one reader felt this tax might also help nonsmokers:

Cherila said:

“When are people going to wake up smoking is bad for your health. and second hand smoke is worse. And so if the smokers are going to care about the people around them then the lawmakers have to do something to protect us. Why do non-smokers have to suffer because smokers decide to kill themselves. Get a grip and stop the madness.”

One thing is for sure, it’s a touchy subject. What’s your opinion?

Image: sxc.hu.

Post from: Blisstree

Feedback: New Tax on Smokers

I think one of the main reasons it’s so hard to quit smoking is because all the benefits of quitting and all the dangers of continuing seem very far away. Well, here’s a little timeline about some of the more immediate effects of quitting smoking and how that will affect your body RIGHT NOW.

• In 20 minutes your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.
• In 8 hours the carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your blood stream will drop by half, and oxygen levels will return to normal.

Read the rest of Wade’s article to find out the effects of quitting smoking 48 hours through 15 years after you do it.

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

Post from: Blisstree

What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Smoking