" Well, as my son puts it, and he is 9, he thinks it should be increased because then people wont die. Will any increase really do any benefit for anyone? Probably not! If we increased the tax to $1.00 or $2.00's, people would still buy the cancer sticks. I think the tax makes no difference to those walking smoke stack who place ash trays on the back of their porcelain throne (aka toilet). All the .36 tax is going to do, it make sure paycheck-to-paycheck families struggle a little longer. Sure the state will bring in a little more money because of peoples disgusting habits, but shouldn't we really tax areas that help out everyone? Just some thoughts from my son and myself. Have a GREAT day all! Big Papa 100 "

" Banning smoking will do more to fight the nasty habit of smoking than raising taxes on cig's!! "

" Yes!! smoking is a nasty habbit that affects everyone.Increase the tax to the hilt! "

" I love it when people use the clothing argument. Don't get me wrong, I would like to see people dress a little better too, but at least when somebody rolls out in a too tight tank top and cut-offs I don't have to breathe in its fumes, smell it, or have to wash my hair and clothes afterwards because it made me stink. By the way, I checked out the article referenced by Tony, be sure to check out the rest of the site too. It's a joke. "

" Even as a smoker myself, I wonder how much more can the Government even state Government,control of our lives. One tax justifies another tax. If i knew my tax was going for what "they" say it does, but when they give themselves raises off what tax they can surmount, then thats where i draw the line. You tax "us" anymore, then how bought a Raise ourselves?To help pat for these so called subsidized taxes. Well that idea i will imagine will like cigarette smoking, going to go up "in Smoke". "