Clearing The Air

Federal government addicted to alcohol, tobaaco, and firearms

Federal government tax revenue on alcohol, tobacco and firearms were up 41% to $20.6 billion in 2009. Good thing the Supreme court ruled once and for all in favor of the 2nd Amendment which gives all Americans the right to own firearms. Accordingly, smoking bans are being relaxed around the globe.....and as government tries to close budget gaps look for more smoking bans to be retooled and / or completely repealed. Afterall, smokers don't cost society money.....they contribute hefty taxes into society. And a recent study found that it's individuals who live a long life who are more of a cost burden to our healthcare system than smokers.

More here:

The U.S. federal government collected $20.6 billion in taxes on alcohol, tobacco, firearms and ammunition in fiscal year 2009, up 41 percent from the previous fiscal year, according to the annual report of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

Part of the U.S. Treasury Department, the TTB credited most of the $6 billion rise in revenues collected to the increased taxes on the tobacco industry

http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50132620100714

posted by marcus aurelius @ 6:45 AM