The new tobacco tax that came into effect on April 1 is a much larger detriment to our society than the tobacco itself.
The government is placing an even heavier burden on an already highly regulated and taxed industry. President Barack Obama and his socialist associates can say what they want, but it is an all-out attempt to put the American tobacco farmer out of business. We need to remember that tobacco built this nation and made America what we are today.
Furthermore, it played a key role in building this institution. The University of Florida was once known for having a premier tobacco program within its agronomy department. This program was created due to the fact that there are eight tobacco producing counties in the state of Florida, and the quality of tobacco that comes from these areas is second to none worldwide; not even the famous North Carolina tobacco, and certainly not anything produced overseas can even come close.
I am very proud to say that I come from one of these counties and I am a member of a family steeped in the tobacco industry. It has provided both my family and many others with the means to make a living for many generations. After all, it's not the farmer or the "Big Tobacco" executives making individals consume their product.
It's a simple matter of personal choice and the consumer should not be punished. Especially not at the hands of another tobacco consumer, such as Obama.
