Smoking Bans & Higher Tobacco Taxes
– Follow the Leader

I have not touched on this topic in a while, but that doesn't mean the problem has gone away. In fact, it's getting worse. According to the Houston Chronicle, my former hometown for nine years is now considering adopting a comprehensive smoking ban. Houston is the largest city in Texas, and the fourth largest city in the U.S. If Houston falls, the State of Texas will be next.

But that's not the end of it, as California will soon be voting on Proposition 86, which if adopted, will dramatically increase the tax on tobacco products, and likely put many cigar shops in that state out of business. Whether you live in California or not, you will eventually be affected by the outcome of their vote. If California falls, the entire country will be next.

When it comes to state and local politicians, and smoking bans and higher taxes, it's monkey see and monkey do. There are local politicians in Cocoa Beach, Florida and other South Florida towns who are now citing California's ban on smoking at the beach as a reason to ban smoking on the beaches in their communities. State politicians will have a field day with raising tobacco taxes, too, if Proposition 86 passes in California.

If you live in California, please register to vote before October 23, and cast your ballot on November 7, 2006. More information on Proposition 86 is available at:

• CalLiberty.org



• Cigar Forums



• Cigar Blogs

Knowledge is power, use it wisely.