this new anti smoking policy ,do they think they own fresh air and were do they plan to get the lost tax from if we all stopped smoking?its absolute madness i believe its your right to smoke .what do you think ?do they believe they own the air ?were do they plan to get the lost revenue from?
2007-05-20 02:14:31 · 11 answers · asked by pipa s 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
most smokers are working class so its them thats going to pay the extra,they say smoking causes high costs on nhs but how much tax a year does the smoker put into the chancers coffers,so to replace that which he wants to take away ie your cigs a very stealth tax will get ye im now an ex smoker and i feel bloody worse than when i smoked junkies and alkies get all the extra benefits going so they can hang around shopping centers annoying people and mooching cash if they can afford to drink they can buy their own cup of tea
2007-05-20 03:52:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
What a silly question. Do they own the air? No, but if there was a major air pollution incident, you'd expect our authorities to do something to put it right. So maybe, yes, the air is the government's responsibility.
If you all stop smoking, they will have to increase income tax or VAT to make up the shortfall. There might be a short term saving in the NHS not having to treat as many smoking related diseases, but this will be wiped out when former smokers start living long enough to draw pensions.
I don't believe smoking is a right. I think you ought to look at human rights violations in other countries - random arrest without trial, torture, no elections for leaders, and I think you'll find that "the right to smoke" comes fairly low down on any list.
The workplace smoking ban in England from 1 July is supported by a majority of the population. It's aim is to ensure a safe working environment for those who work in bars, restaurants etc.
The argument "they don't have to work there - they could get another job if they don't like it" is nonsense.
Would it apply in a factory where lathes without safety guards were used? "You don't have to work here, get another job if you don't like it". Of course not.
2007-05-20 13:24:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
They think they own fresh air because we won't stand up to tell them otherwise. That's the nature of government/power.
You ask where the revenue will come from: Tax revenues on gas will continue to increase as the price rises. That won't cover it all....what's the next freedom we can classify as a "sin" for the sin tax? Do you think this global warming scare is a coincidence? Make it sinful to use gas/energy....then you can "reasonably" tax everything!
2007-05-20 09:25:13 · answer #3 · answered by evans_michael_ya 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It seems that this Question is related to the new anti-smoking laws.which have not been thought out properly.
It just means that as they`ll lose revenue on taxing tobacco products they`ll have to either raise taxes AGAIN or find other things to tax, as they`re considering road tolls, they`ll probably introduce pavement tolls for pedestrians next
2007-05-20 13:20:44 · answer #4 · answered by Jacqueline M 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It has nothing to do with owning the fresh air. It has everything to do with protecting peoples health. Not smoking doesn't bother anybodies health. Same thing could be asked, do smokers think they own the fresh air? There is no lost revenue, it is proven in studies that businesses actually increase their revenue. There is nothing in the Constitution that guarantees smokers rights. Your analogy is the same as saying businesses have every right to dump toxins in the air.....doesn't make sense.
2007-05-20 09:29:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋
Well Pipa,
The government doesn't "own" the fresh air, but because it is breathed by everyone they have a right to pass legislation concerning what polutants are put into it.
With regard to your revenue question... If everyone quit smoking, the loss in tobacco tax would be minimal compared to the healthcare savings that would be amassed from decreases in lung disease, heart disease, cancer and emphysema.
2007-05-20 09:30:44 · answer #6 · answered by Jack 7 · 6⤊ 2⤋
On the contrary, you seem to think you own the air that I breathe.
The thing is, I have no problem with you smoking at all. I do have a problem with me smoking your smoke - kill yourself if you want, but don't kill me as a by-product.
2007-05-20 09:34:32 · answer #7 · answered by armfot 5 · 7⤊ 2⤋
Government thinks they own everything, including us!
2007-05-20 09:22:06 · answer #8 · answered by williamh772 5 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Just wait until they realise they can tax us by putting tanks on our back and charging for each breath we take.
2007-05-20 09:22:04 · answer #9 · answered by katewearsconran 2 · 3⤊ 3⤋
What people seem to forget is, "The Government" is you and I. Vote them out.
2007-05-20 09:24:54 · answer #10 · answered by Just William 6 · 4⤊ 3⤋