Some bad news - just posted

[joncaputo]

We just released a scoop on one of Obamas appointments and it doesnt bode well for us as a cigar community.


http://www.puff.com/Content/Cigar-Ne...or-cigars.html

[Da Klugs]

The only good news is that Government at all levels is addicted to sin taxes. They budget them on a forward looking basis. Hell, the state governments even sell off their future interest in the tobacco settlement annuity to get cash today. They have a vested interest in "survival" of the industry for a time period.

The bad news is that they have figured out that increasing taxes on these items thus far has not decreased demand enough to lessen their take. Until the tax increases hurt their yield at least the revenue aspect of this issue will continue to pressure all of us on price. Cigars are uniquely positioned to be perceived as a "luxury item" as well as falling under the wide net of tobacco sin.

Maybe they should widen the net on luxury taxes. Eating fast food causes more burden on the health care system than cigars by far.

We need to start a competing organization to the anti tobacco folks promoting a huge new revenue stream to support the new administrations initiatives:

We can call it:

"We know whats best for you"

An organization dedicated to leading the masses to "right thinking" and enforcing that suggested behavior with a variety of new taxes meant to "show us the way".

Initial Platform: (We can add more later)

25% sales tax on "unhealthy food".

Motto: We know whats best for you.... we know you won't listen.. thats why there is a tax.

If it gains traction no one would have any interest in lookling at the piddlilng amount of money that comes from taxing cigars.

[MedicCook]

The fact that they bill these types of taxes as they are trying to make you healthier is a complete crock. The only reason they are doing these taxes is to get money and are using the health as a front for it.

[Cigary]

He said he was going to make change happen,,,he never promised great changes! Who wants to buy my inauguration ticket,,stand out in the cold,,freeze your sack off for a few hours and not be able to eat a decent meal,,,get stuck in foot traffic while trying to get back to your hotel,,,yeah baby, good times!

[TOB9595]

Good Grief!
This is a terrible appointment!

Tom

[Kreth]

It never changes, no matter who's in the big chair. C'mon, Congress was grilling baseball players about steroids while we had good men and women dying overseas. Does anyone really think government is still about "We, The People"?

[TOB9595]

Originally Posted by Kreth

It never changes, no matter who's in the big chair. C'mon, Congress was grilling baseball players about steroids while we had good men and women dying overseas. [SIZE=6]Does anyone really think government is still about "We, The People"?[/SIZE]

NO!

sigh.....
Tom

[exploretheozarks]

Originally Posted by Kreth

Does anyone really think government is still about "We, The People"?

Our country is no longer a government that is here for the people, but rather a government that believes the people are here for it.

[replicant_argent]

It is indeed a fine thing to see that the jokes forum is alive and well after the changeover, Jon.
http://www.puff.com/Content/Cigar-Ne....html?Itemid=0

[Andyman]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

It is indeed a fine thing to see that the jokes forum is alive and well after the changeover, Jon.
http://www.puff.com/Content/Cigar-Ne....html?Itemid=0

These are the real limited edicion bands.. I am putting them on all my EL's

[joncaputo]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

It is indeed a fine thing to see that the jokes forum is alive and well after the changeover, Jon.
http://www.puff.com/Content/Cigar-Ne....html?Itemid=0

This news just really bums me out - thats all I can say.

[Hermit]

Originally Posted by Da Klugs

The bad news is that they have figured out that increasing taxes on these items thus far has not decreased demand enough to lessen their take. Until the tax increases hurt their yield at least the revenue aspect of this issue will continue to pressure all of us on price.

Up to a point. Look what happened to consumption
when gas hit four bucks a gallon.
Eventually, cigarette smokers, who already want to quit,
will throw in the towel. They will tax the golden goose to death.
Then what?

[Dcutt3]

I'm honestly not too worried about it. Obama is STILL addicted to cigarettes, he will only look like a huge hypocrite to pass this kind of legislation.

[Hermit]

Originally Posted by Dcutt3

I'm honestly not too worried about it. Obama is STILL addicted to cigarettes, he will only look like a huge hypocrite to pass this kind of legislation.

Like JFK who bought thousands of Habanos
the day before he imposed the embargo?

If you don't think it'll pass and be signed,
you're dreaming.

[replicant_argent]

Originally Posted by Dcutt3

I'm honestly not too worried about it. Obama is STILL addicted to cigarettes, he will only look like a huge hypocrite to pass this kind of legislation.

Nope, he will look like the strong savior messiah who can face adversity and challenge the norm, even though it may cause him "personal, and real challenges."