Proposed tax is a matter of life, death

I salute Casey Jo Remy for her letter to the Bee (Jan. 18) supporting the increase in the tobacco tax. What she says is absolutely true and right on.

Rep. Lake has agreed to introduce a bill in the Legislature to raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1.25 per pack. It is about time. The current 57 cents per pack is much lower than in states bordering Idaho. In Washington it is more than $3. The big tobacco companies and their lobbyists are fighting this tooth and nail, figuring with their money they can lord it over a small state’s Legislature. In previous years they have been successful. This needs to stop now.

I have watched too many of my close friends and extended family die from their addiction to cigarettes. We are all aware of their suffering and agonizing deaths and the heartache caused their families. We have also witnessed the miserable futility of those trying to quit, once the tobacco companies get them addicted. We all support the search for a cure for cancer, but a lot of it could be prevented if people could just be discouraged from using tobacco. Tobacco is legal poison.

One friend told me shortly before his death, “If you have cigarettes just throw them away. They have killed me and they will kill you, too.”

I realize many adults are hopelessly addicted and just can’t seem to quit this bad habit, but I sure hate to see young people getting hooked. They just don’t seem to realize how addictive tobacco products are. There is widespread proof that other states that have raised the tax have seen consumption decrease. Every bit of decreased cigarette use means lives saved and less suffering. Please contact your legislators. It is a matter of life and death.

DAVE REYNOLDS

Hope