OTHER TAXES

EDITOR: Instead of increasing taxes outrageously on tobacco, a legal
substance, which decreases the number of people purchasing the product and
in turn hurts our state's economy, why is there no legislation to increase
taxes of those who are charged with illegal substance abuse, drunken
driving and other such illegal atrocities?

We have seen in all 50 states the effect of increasing taxes on tobacco
products, singling out those who choose to use legal substances and farmers
who try to make an honest living. Why are we punishing those who are in
line with the laws of our state and nation?

To increase taxes of those who are convicted of using illegal substances
and committing crimes that endanger themselves, endanger others, and
according to recent commercials, also supports terrorism. I personally do
not know any farmers in our area who grow tobacco in order to support
terrorism.

It is a shame we are in a way promoting illegal drug use by not taxing
offenders; my belief is that if we could tax those who commit what is
actually a crime that the drug use in our country will rapidly decline as
we have seen in the use of tobacco.

JOHN FRANK HUNTER II

Johnson City