"<RJR>" wrote:
> Sheldon wrote:
> >"<RJR>" wrote:
> >> The State of Minnesota claims that medical claims
> >> from smokers cost the taxpayers $303.7 million bucks.
>
> >I would say that MN is giving an extremely low estimate, the actual
> >costs are probably more than thrice that, that number only represents
> >claims, not real costs.
>
> >And if I asked you if you smoke and you say no I'll bet you're
> >lying... RJR! LOL
>
>
> But this assumes that every smokers medical expenses
> are being covered by the state !

They are, to various degrees.

> If that were true, people who can't afford medical insurance
> would take up smoking for the coverage ......

They already do... do you actually think people on welfare don't
smoke.

> I smoked back when it was a rite of passage to adulthood....
> then I quit. Haven't had a cig. in over 30 years. * )
>
> It's just that more and more, I see items in the news
> that just don't make sense..

There is nothing nonsensical about how tobacco costs everyone a
fortune.

Most people who drink, especially outside the home, also smoke. If
smoking outside the home were punishable by a stiff prison sentence
DUIs would probably cease to be... think how much money and misery
that would save.

The government can easilly develop a pill that will stop the desire to
smoke, and other addictions. But there is just too much money
collected in tax revenues from tobacco and booze.

Sheldon