Hello World
When I've got something to say or information I think is of value this is the place where I say it or share such information.
You might think of this page as the place where I vent my private thoughts for public consumption. Not that what I personally have to say has any real value.
However, sometimes it does!
For example, right now I'm damn well hot about an Arizona state ballot initiative known as "First things first" or Proposition 203. It's purpose is to raise the CIGARETTE TAX 80¢ A PACK in the State of Arizona. Advocates for early-childhood education want to generate millions of dollars annually to help children get ready for school.
My question:
If it is such a noble cause then why shouldn't all of our citizens and all the illegal aliens, who appear to be the biggest beneficiaries of it, be responsible for paying for it?
I for one believe if such a program is needed then everyone should help pay for it. Why single out the cigarette smokers and tax only them?
But, OH! NO! These pious, self-righteous, do-gooders want to fund it with a discriminatory tax on smokers. The idea is to let the sinners pay for it. That's a bunch of crap and an insult to the Declaration of Independence. You remember the Declaration of Independence don't you? How about that part that gave birth to this nation of ours. The part that says, "NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION"?
Taxes should be levied by the elected representatives of the State of Arizona, and signed into law by the Governor. Not by a ballot initiative funded by lobbyists with deep pockets who use their money to buy advertising to sway voters opinion on emotional issues. If you believe in something then put your own money where your big fat mouth is. It it any wonder the Arizona Republic, and its' editors support this initiative? Are they not raking in tons of money from the ads? You can bet you sweet bippy they are! Personally I don't have in children in this category any longer. However, my wife and I did raise five children of our own and they all did real well in school. Maybe that was because as parents we spent time with them when they were young. You know like reading to them for example. Teaching them their ABC's, how to count to 100, etc. All before they started kindergarten. What today's kids need are parents who take responsibility for their own children. Not parents who depend on the state to provide them with free programs at the expense of a minority group, as in this instance, cigarette smokers.
I say this to you deadbeats, "YOU brought them into this world. Now YOU support them and don't expect the smokers of the world to pay for something you're responsible for."
By the way it was only four years ago in 2002 that Arizona's leading anti-smoking groups launched and passed Proposition 202 in 2002 that added a 60-CENT TAX PER PACK ON CIGARETTES. When this one, Proposition 203, passes and I feel centain it will. After all it's not too hard to vote for a tax you don't have to pay yourself is it? Anyway we will have had a whopping total of $1.40 per pack increase in a four year span. Another byproduct of this process is this; when it passes it will only embolden these fanatics to come back with another initiative four years from now. In 2010 I expect to see these pious, self-righteous asses back again seeking another tax increase to fund another program they're to cheap to pay for themselves.
Increasing the State of Arizona sales tax that everyone must pay is a much fairer solution". I wonder if there's any non-smokers out there anywhere that would agree with me on that? I sincerely doubt it, but if there is such a soul please send me an
It might renew my faith. I've always believed that if Americans agree on nothing else they do agree in the basic principle of equality and fairness for all. True Americans do believe in democracy. However most Americans do not believe that the majority should be allowed to run roughshod over the minority just because they are the majority. Ask yourself this question, "Is this ballot initiative really any different than a school bully beating up on a little person just because he has an attitude and he's bigger than the little guy"? I for one think that's the perfect analogy to describe Proposition 203.
I only hope enough concerned voters will see it for what it really is and
vote no on Proposition 203.
In conclusion I'd like to say that while raising my five children in the 1950's, '60's, and '70's that my wife and I both were smokers. We owned and lived in a 4 bedroom, 1 bath home with those children. Now guess what?
None of them have any heart problems or lung diseases!
Nor do any of them smoke!
Cigar Smoking Hall of Fame NBA Coach Dies
Arnold "Red" Auerbach, probably the greatest basketball coach in the history of the NBA, passed away on October 28, 2006 at the age of 89. He was a daily cigar smoker. The cigar came out of his mouth when he was sure of another Boston Celtic victory. Isn't it ironic that the official cause of his death was kidney failure.
Goodbye Coach we'll miss you. RIP
James Casebier
Chief Petty Officer
U.S Navy, Retired
Today's Humor
There is more money being spent on breast
implants and Viagra than on Alzheimer's research.
This means that by 2020, there should be a large elderly population with
perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do
with them.
PEACE be with you..Brothers & Sisters
until we meet again.
Victor