In yet another example of federal nannyism, President Clinton proposes taxes and penalties on cigarettes, which would add $1.50 to the cost of each pack. This to become effective when he is safely out of office. And, of course, it is done “for the children.”
A master stroke of such insight and brilliance should be further exploited. Now is the time to impose a federal license for all motor vehicles at a charge of $1 million per vehicle annually. This will force most vehicles off the road, saving many lives (including children’s) and greatly reduce air pollution.
Next? A $10-an-ounce federal tax on all unhealthy food (“unhealthy” to be defined by someone in Washington). This would enhance the national well-being (including “the children”) and reduce medical costs.
Now that we are on a roll, add a huge federal tax on alcohol. Helps kids by keeping daddy and mom sober. So many evils to tax, so little time.
Oh, yes. The drug problem. Well, not a whole lot we can do about that.
