Opinion

Consider these ideas over taxing smokers

Posted January 22, 2011 12:00 am

I think it is about time all the politicians stop bullying us smokers. We are any easy target to be sure. Why keep taxing us for more money for the schools when you can share the tax gouging with bigger money makers?

For example, how about a buck a bottle on liquor? Or that $5 latte — add a buck. Start taxing luxury salons. Do you really need to tan and get a mani, pedi and haircut? Pay taxes for those services.

Put a slot machine in every store that sells lottery tickets. Buying a lottery ticket is gambling, or does everyone turn a blind eye to that fact?

I am all in favor of public education, but instead of giving them more money they need to collect more money. How, you ask? Start charging the actual cost of after-school activities, not a token fee. In my opinion, if you are not paying the actual cost my tax dollar is paying for child care. I really do not want my tax dollar to help pay for your kids’ child care, do you?

Repeat after me, nothing’s free after 3! These ideas might begin to stop runaway outrageous taxes and frivolous spending.

Carrie L. Brooks

Mount Prospect

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