Doesn't promote the use of marijuana? I mean I have seen on his web site and could have sworn I heard him say that the use of marijuana should be legalized. I don’t get it.

You rant saying the government uses taxes to dictate lifestyle, but you support the government taxing something people choose to do, simply because "you" don't like it.

Oh, that second microphone would be useful because you seem to talk out both sides of your mouth alot.

Neal,
I am a big fan and consider myself a libertarian. I can't understand your stance on the behavior tax on tobacco. If eliminating smoking is the goal, then advocate a law making it illegal. What about a tax on private aviators, a tax on skydivers, a tax on motorcyclist, a tax on fast food diners. Hell, lets tax anyone that does anything considered to have a risk involved, a sex tax maybe? Let's tax single people twice as much in an effort to control their behavior and increase marriage and decrease single parents.
When the power of government is used to control a group of people that are engaged in a legal activity, what does that say about freedom and how does it differ from the 90% tax on the AIG bonuses.

well tax the rich obama as done it. The big mac tax is next. Then maybe a candybar tax and standby for the if you do anything tax.

Neal, Neal, Neal. Check your information again. If I'm not mistaken, obesity has surpassed smoking as the biggest cost to health care causing diabetes and diabetes related illnesses, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. Why don't we just tax super-sized fast food and over-sized portions in restaurants. Like another comment I read, I smoke, pay for my own health insurance and haven't missed a day of work in 10 years. Fat people can't even get off their butts to work. How about taxing alcohol too. Maybe cut down on the drunk drivers and all the problems they cause.

Just a little correction, Ignorance kinda means lacking knowledge. They know very well that this is unhealthy, and they also know that it bothers everybody around them. They just dont care. They are not ignorant. They are stupid.

I am a political smoker. I don't smoke (anymore), but when I'm somewhere that forbids smoking, I'll pull out a well-used pipe (empty, of course) and place it in plain site just to raise the ire of the self-righteous who know better than myself what is and isn't good for me. As far as additional taxes on cigarettes...ALL taxes are evil government coercion and theft and should be abolished. The Fair Tax is merely making the best of a bad thing.

Neal is protax and spend. What is funny is how Mr Sanctimony pretends to be a libertarian. It is kinda cute. What a maroon !

If you don't think that smokers should get taxpayer assisted healthcare, that is fine, I am in agreement. Why not be thrilled about a bill that does just that, Instead of being thrilled about a federal tax being passed that does nothing but single out the largest minority in this country, the individual, and twisting his arm to the point of compliance? This is merely another form of class warfare. Those who can afford the "privilege" of free action, are extorted a hefty fee. (Soak the rich anyone?) Those who cannot afford it are denied the freedom to choose for themselves and suffer the end result of those choices. People are "thrilled" to treat the symptoms, (not enough taxes to cover their medical expenses, so let’s raise taxes on them) instead of the problem, (smokers knowingly and willfully damage themselves in their action, so everyone else should not be liable for their decisions). One could argue that this also would be a form of extortion, or nanny-ism, though I see it as leaving people to the consequences of their actions, without government intervention playing a role in the initial decision. It may even be alright for a local or state government to make up such a tax, and then you have a choice to move to a place more friendly to your point of view. This tax is just another example of dependency on Big Brother.

I was in the convenience store yesterday, and saw the sign about the increase in taxes on tobacco...I about crapped my pants...158%??? I'm grateful I quit smoking 4 months ago.

Now, I don't know about most smokers, but seems to me that would give them the incentive they need to quit. What I'm wondering, is who is PresBO going to tax the crap out of next to pay for SCHIP? Cause I suspect a boatload of people will quit smoking, rather than pay what they can't afford to kill themselves slowly. Somebody will have to pay.

@ Nathan
The fairtax is mostly about federal payroll with-holding. I think Neal can have it both ways on this one.

Revenuers and self-righteous *ssholes telling others how to live their life are two of them though. I'll cough up a lung from second hand smoke before I side with anti-smokers or other would-be masters. I'll do without that lung before I do without my freedom.

There isn't much, if anything the government can't decide for you if they are responsible for your health care, no matter how pathetic, substandard, or even nonexistent that health care turns out to be.

I only smoke when I'm on fire ;-)

Either you agree with taxes or you don't. My choice to smoke has nothing to do with your choice not to. I have health insurance and am one of the most productive members of my company.

My main point is, Neal, the painful truth should be that placing an unreasonable tax on anything for any reason is wrong. This tax is unreasonable and its disingenious for you to support one tax that wouldn't effect you and flat out despise any tax that does effect you. Yes, I know you say that smoking effects you now due to medical bills. Your tax rates do not increase in direct relation to those who smoke and those who quit.

A real solution would be for Medicaid to discontinue paying for medical services that are needed as a result of tobacco related health problems within a certain time of use.

That would promote quitting sooner because the benefits will be available after a certain length of time after discontinued use of tobacco.

Taxing the choice is wrong...and you know it.

I noticed you specifically mention cigarettes. I'm a Cigar lover that will not apologize for purchasing, lighting up, and thoroughly enjoying it's fine flavor at my lake house. Cigarettes are for those that want a quick fix, to satisfy their addiction. Cigar smokers do this to relax; it's more of a hobby.

Your opinion about cigarette smokers has always been stored in the back of my head up until about 5 years ago, the day I became a business owner. Everything you said couldn't be more exaggerated. There is no comparison to the level of productivity between my smoking and non-smoking employees. I look back at the number of employees I've let go in the past. From the lack of work ethic to arriving late more than they should have to just letting their personal issues at home creeping into their work life. All of them were smokers. Not only that, I found out that most of them carried another addictions as well that are so easily prescribed. Now, I want to say this doesn’t apply to all smokers, and I’m tempted to wait for a cigarette smoker to prove me wrong knowing it could waste my time as an employer that’s struggling to expand his business.

So far I couldn't agree more with you on this issue on cigarettes. I used to think, but this is America, who says who can't smoke cigarettes or not. The day all smokers take responsibility by paying for their own hospital bills or carrying their own health insurance (which is over 4x greater than those who don't smoke) is the day I will defend the freedom of cigarette smokers.

Since when has it been correct to use taxes to change behavior? Last I checked, taxes were for the funding of government, not to target choices. In fact, I believe Neal has made this same point before.

Show some consistency, for goodness' sake. I dislike smoking intensely, but this is not the way to discourage it.

My biggest problem with this tax is what it's for. Out of one side of their mouth the Government says that this is about public health and getting people to quit smoking. Out of the other side, they say it's to fund the expanded SCHIP program. So we make a law intended to get people to quit smoking while they simultaneously need them to keep smoking to fund CHIP for the children. Anyone else find this completely self-defeating?

Poor myrmidons-you're finally realizing your hero isn't about libertarianism! Instead, Neal is for one thing and one thing only-himself. And "himself" doesn't include his listeners.

Neal,

I absolutely love your show, I read your nuze EVERYDAY, wish you had it on the weekends too. But I just have to say, you preach about liberty, freedom, less government control, but then you support raising taxes on tobacco because you don't like smoking. So now, here you are putting down the politicians who want to raise taxes, and then cheering them on for a tobacco tax. This is a side of you I don't like, and it is just a way for people to call you a hipocrite. You want to legalize or decriminalize drugs, something that is much worse than smoking a cig or putting tobacco in your mouth, but yet, you want to take away the freedom of someone slowly killing themselves by smoking?
I thought you were all about choices, and less taxes, and liberty, guess not all the way around.

Neal, what is your opinion on Cigars? This Tax Increase also affects Premium cigars, which is mostly a Small Business industry. From the Manufacturers to the Retailers, it's mostly Mom and Pop and Family companies. This SCHIP Tax increase is putting a lot of small companies out of business and that puts added pressure on the cigar Export industry in Central America which is already tettering on sliding into more Socialist Regimes like in Nicaragua.

I see the enjoyment of Fine Cigars akind to Wine. It takes more than 200 hands to produce and bring home a single Cigar. From Farming the Tobacco, Rolling it, and then to the consumer. It takes years.

I quit Cigarettes, but the Cigar Culture is one of passion and Luxury. Tell me you side with the Freedom to enjoy Cigars like wine, and against Government putting people out of business just to buy votes with SCHIP.

Why don't we just combined today's two hot issues, and mandate that all smokers NOT wear seat belts? I'm sure Neal would endorse that plan.

I am a smoker. I am a veteran. I am retired, and live on a small pension. I NEVER missed a day of work due to smoking, have never killed anyone else on the road, and do not receive welfare (or even unemployment compensation). I object to being taxed to pay for the health care of folks who receive approximately 5 times my annual income. Your stance on this is inconsistent with your general approach to freedom and liberty, and while I agree with you on most things, I want to add my voice to those who disagree with you this time.

To paraphrase an old quote, "First they came for the smokers, but I was not a smoker, so I did nothing ...."

Please tell me the comment by JoeShmoe is a joke. Guns have protected countless more lives than the have taken. Find the stats moron. As for cig's, I hate them. I used to smoke and I know I was a moron for it so I quit. Best thing I ever did, but I don't have a good feel for sin taxes. What happens when people quit smoking, where will they get that tax $$ then?

Chris

100% agreement is NOT impossible.

Libertarians are for freedom, period. If you are truly a libertarian, you are for freedom--100%. There is no grey area. You cannot have it both ways. If you are not fully devoted to the ideology regardless of the short term failings, you are just a hypocrite and anything you say can be discounted.

Please explain to me how the taxpayer pays for a smokers/drinkers/drug users medical costs? That is,unless they are already covered under a GOVERNMENT WELFARE taxpayer funded health care program, the taxpayers don't. For all you puffers and druggies out there that PAY FOR YOUR OWN MEDICAL COVERAGE don't pay attention to this type of crap. Ya hear, NEAL?

Which group is more of a burden on our healthcare system? A three-hundred pound woman or a skinny, old man who enjoys a pack a day? Yes, smoking is a stupid habit, but the actions taken by government have hurt many farmers who have now been paid peanuts to stop growing the plant.

Will the fair tax need to be adjusted to compensate for the loss of tobbaco revenue after the Boortz prohibition begins? After all, we can't do without the SCHIP funding or whatever else they spend the sin taxes on. Or can we?

Can any epublican say they agree with their parties platform 100%. Dems do you agree 100% with your comrade platform? I am Libertarian and do not agree 100%. The only thing that keeps me from being Republican is the religious crap. Well, ok a few other things. If anyone says they do 100% me thinks you are either blind or lying. You don't even agree 100% with your spouses!!!

There will always be little things you disagree on and I guess this smoke tax thing is it for Neal.

They should do the same with morons who buy guns. People who smoke endanger their lives the same way someone w/ a gun does. I dont drink so their can be a higher alcohol tax also. Tax them all and lower my taxes please!

We should raise the cigarette tax even higher. Then we could have a war on cigarettes just like the war on drugs. And while we are taxing things that are unhealthy, let's also go after twinkies and cupcakes. Then we could really call ourselves libertarians.

Neal's opinion although not shocking given his disdain for all things tobacco related...I disagree with.

Here is yet another example of attempted behavior modification through taxation! "IF" (and this is very unlikely), every person decided to stop smoking because of this new tax...they would just move on to tax some "OTHER" behavior and label it for another "Save The (cause of the day here)"...! Opinions aside, I can't believe Neal is for this...I get his argument...but there are 3 sides to every story...Luv you long time Neal...heh..

John

Neal, are you quite sure that smoking costs $193 billion per year?

Does that include the taxes generated from tobacco?

Or the fact that studies show that smokers use significantly less Medicare and Social Security because they die younger and quicker?

Does that include taxes paid from tobacco companies and employees and distributers and shops?

I'll not get on you about the seeming hypocrisy - the fact is that we all have a little hypocrisy about something. It's a human trait. It's the zealotry that bothers me.

Again, you are not showing your Libertarian proclamations.

Smokers are excercising their free choice. Yes, it is not healthy. So? Are you suggesting that tax increases are ok on all unhealthy activities of free people?

The smokers are not costing the economy 193 million. They are investing in the healthcare system. (tongue in cheek)

The activities of smokers incurs higher risk of illness. Insurance companies cover the cost of those ilnesses. And the premiums should cover the costs to the companies.

Get the government out of it.

If we were to save 100 Billion the Congress would have it spent before it was ever realized ! Tell Congress to go home. Tell Congress to PROVE GLOBAL WARMING using the Scientific Method.

I simply can't believe you are actually promoting a punishment tax aimed at a specific segment of the populace?

Why don't you answer this overwhelming number of people who'd like to know your justification for punishment taxes on only those you don't like.

Neal, I think others have made it very clear that you are being extremely hypocritical about the cigarette tax. While I find smoking deplorable, and smokers (as a rule) despisable, the tax is clearly an abuse that needs to be removed.

Libertarian In Name Only. its a shame. he used a Libertarian. not any more

Pot is OK??? Sheesh... Whatta double standard.

Dont you think its a but hypocritical to put forward a plan to simplfy tax and treat people fairly, and yet show glee at treating one specific behavior with outrageous taxes?

If they want to ruin their health, they can pay for it themselves. If they need a smoke break, they can have it at lunch. Using the tax code for behavior modification or punishment is wrong, and you know it.

I agree that smokers are slowly killing themselves, quitting is about the hardest thing that I ever did. I so detest that this or any government uses the power of taxation to manipulate the people. as usual the government knows best. I am suprised that neal is in agreement with this form of government control whether it be on tobacco products, oil , or speech.

I agree with Neil's comment on tobacco taxes 100%, but I also disagree 100%. It's a tax! When this tax starts to decrease, and it will, to fund S-Chip, the tax will show up somewhere else. Come on Neil, I thought you knew better.

Neal:
I love you long time and I even included the fair tax website in my book.
But I know that there are a few subjects on which you have a closed mind with tobacco being one.
I'm a FORMER cigarette smoker and agree that with everything that is known about that product - it's pretty stupid to use it.
But smoking a premium cigar once a week is totally NOT the same as smoking 20 - 30 cigarettes a day.
But the anti-liberty crowd does not differentiate and the tax on premium cigars is also going up on Wednesday - 55%.
What about all the small business owners who employ two or three people in their neighborhood cigar shops around the country?
These are hard working people who are among the first to help with charities and cater not to the 'dumbasses' who smoke the cigarettes but rather their customers are among the best and the brightest (in ATL - CC of the South, Athletic Club, etc).
Come on Neal - start speaking up for these capitalists and stop grouping premium cigar smokers with cigarette smokers.

I'm 25 and I smoked for a few years until 2 weeks ago. NJ imposed an 80 cent increase and then there's the new one on Wednesday.

No more tax revenue from me!.. and it's a STUPID habit.

For once, I thank the gov't.

It's a drug that is way more harmful than pot, just outlaw it, let Philip Morris sell pot instead and tax the heck out of it.

Neal,

I'm confused by your anti-smoking stance. It seems to go against your default to freedom mantra. I don't think I've ever heard your reasoning on it.

If the gubament can tax dirty, stinking smokers in to submission, why can't they tax dirty, stinking rich people into submission?

Also, the 'hate speech' thing was sarcasm :)

Yup, on the same day that the fed increases their "butt tax" by $0.60 a pack, South Carolina (formerly having the lowest cigarette tax of any other state) will increase its tax by $0.50/pack thereby raising government's stake in the transaction to $1.51 for each pack of butts.

On the other hand, those that create the product, according to the Tobacco Industry, earn just over $0.22 per pack after growing it, packaging it, shipping it, warehousing and retailing it.

So if the tobacco company earns 22 cents and the "gummit" earns over $1.50 for each pack... who REALLY has the greatest "vested interest" in the continued use of this source of revenue?

Adakin Valorem

FairTax Rally
April 15th
Boortz & Huckabee Live!
TownCenter, Columbia SC

This doesn't sound much like Boortz. Using the power of the state in the form of taxation to try to control human behavior.