Smokers called to stand united

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WE SMOKERS are a tolerant lot. We have watched the taxes on our pleasure grow over the years and rarely complained. We have conceded territory inch by inch as the health police decided we could no longer smoke in the office, on a bus, train, plane, at the cinema, in a restaurant, and more recently in public parks and on beaches. I am told there are now limited options for smokers even on some cruise ships - in the middle of the ocean. The anti-smokers have been clever and patient. They have pressed us since the 1970s and have hounded us into a corner - any corner, footpath or car park where we can still indulge our pleasure legally. We gave in. We're like that. Forbearing. Until now. The recent overnight 25 per cent tax increase on tobacco products (on top of already high taxes) was one of the last acts of the sleep-deprived Ruddbot government. The Senate approved it without a murmur. Smokers are not happy and they will not forgive. The problem with sudden decisions like this is that the people making them do not think them through. Affluent smokers don't care. The average battler and smoker cares very much. Most are cutting back on other expenses: newsagents already report declining sales of magazines, lollies etc. Is someone in Canberra paying attention? Few are smoking less. Some are so stressed that they are smoking more. The 25 per cent tax increase is a vicious and unprovoked attack on a minority. There is no good economic argument for it; the government simply loses revenue elsewhere, and from the fact that we don't fly any more or take long train journeys or go to restaurants etc. We stay at home a lot. Our absence from many social activities must be an enormous cost to the economy. Any argument about the long-term burden on the health system does not bear scrutiny. The 1950s and '60s were a time of economic prosperity and full employment when nearly everyone smoked. Everyone died, including the then minority of non-smokers. The country did not go bankrupt. The health budget will not bankrupt us now or in the future. Everybody dies of something, and most people require increasing healthcare in their final years. There is no excuse for the oppressive 25 per cent tax increase. If it is not repealed by July 31, I will consider myself at war with the federal government. I invite all smokers to join me. Our vote is our weapon. Let's use it. John Ellison Davies http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/smokers-called-to-stand-united-20100705-zxit.html