Unfair to smokers

Thirteen years ago, I was a smoker. I recall being provoked when governing officials had the audacity to impose more taxes on a chosen few because they found pleasure in the nicotine habit. Now I am a nonsmoker, and still perceive this continuing policy to be grossly unfair and lopsided.

Perhaps the establishment could shift some of the financial problems to other special groups such as those who imbibe in alcoholic drinks or those in the obese category. Even if these people were also considered, there still would be citizens who would be escaping their civic responsibilities.

There are a multitude of inhabitants who don’t choose to indulge in tobacco use who could, and should, be contributing to revenue that’s necessary in remedying problems that concern everyone.

Cigarette smokers already pay an inordinate amount of taxes for their addiction. If taxes were properly allotted, a smoker would be paying a fair share instead of paying for my part and for others who don’t smoke.

Comparatively few citizens shouldn’t be the burden-bearers of common financial issues.

BLANCHE HAMDEN
ROANOKE

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