YOUR COMMENTS

Why do anti-smoking critics always need to "fear young people might fall into it" like they do? Its as though simply saying "think about the children" really worked when talking about a societal problem.

I've been trying to quit for some time now and it is hard. Add to it that I'll openly admit I started smoking when I was young because I thought it was cool. But who cares? My problems are my problems and my bad habits are my bad habits. I think some people just need something to crusade on or else they'd suddenly notice how pitifully dull their own lives really are.
- Nicholas Goroff, Keene

Pipe an cigarette tobacco are different, no doubt. I occasionally smke cigarette tobacco from a pipe, so if you need to tax the guy putting pipe tobacco in a cigarette tube, than I should sue the state of NH for any taxes they collect on my cigarette tobacco used in a pipe.
Rob from Manchester proved he is an ignoramus, no doubt, but despite his idiotic tone, it is true I was not smart at all to begin the habit I have.
As far as legalities go, my view of tobacco is consistent with alcohol, pot and prostitution. I'd rather see STD levels sore than waste time having a government on a power trip spend money prosecuting a hooker.
- Steve Raineault, Newport

Who really cares? If it was anyother issue I would blame the radical democrats in Concord [all of whom will get voted out soon] for coming up with more taxes on every business and person in NH, but in this case if your stupid enough to smoke that crap and rot your lungs out and become a burden on the health system I hope they tax you even more.
- Jacob, Manchester

It looks like harassing small business is the NH Democrats plan to make up that $38m shortfall in the state budget. First it's tobacco shops, then who knows what's next. Either way they could label it “The Democrat’s small business extortion tax”. The NH state government should be saving taxpayer money instead of wasting it by engaging in these “nanny state” frivolous MA style social engineering lawsuits. But then again, NH Democrats and MA Democrats are two peas from the same pod. Vote out the liberals and return NH to the financial and social sanity it once had before these radical left-wing parasites took over.
- Mac Wade, Newmarket

Anyone stupid enough to smoke tabacco deserves to be taxes. You should also pay more for you heath insurance .
- Tom, Manchester

I should take up pipe smoking! it will give my 3yr old something to do... He can goto the store and get my tobacco for me. From the AG to the legislators in this state your all a bunch of BOOBS !
- C, Gilford

@Fred in Merrimac

It is not Obama...

Its the people that voted for him that are completely responsible.


You people are making the aclu look like the good guys... FFS
- Eticus, Rochester

there needs to be a tax on the union leader discussion posts. that's my 2¢.
- Andrea, Concord

So let me get this straight. If I rent out a roto rooter machine from a rental company to clean out my septic pipes, is the state going to say I am a plumber and come after me for not paying my licensing fee or file a charge with the EPA for not cleaning the roto rooter machine properly? What's next???
- Brian, Concord

Hey folks, don't complain, you vote these tools into office, election after election.
- russ, amherst nh

It's all about tax revenue.
- Bill, Deerfield

This state and our government is out of control and all of us have a target painted on our backs. WAKE UP, PEOPLE! We are nothing more than a cash-cow, something they are free to tax at will by picking a convenient and unpopular target. I hear it all the time from people. "I don't care... I don't smoke."

Fine. Let's tax something YOU enjoy and see how much YOU like it. I don't smoke cigarettes and lucky if I drink a beer once a month, yet I fully support these people's rights not to be taxed to death.

How would I tax? Simple, replace the income tax and these stupid "sin taxes" with a straight flat sales tax. This way everybody pays and they even get the underground economy.

Oh, I'm sorry... is that politically incorrect?
- Jim D, Hillsboro

There's a fine line between "nanny state" and "bully state" What the revenue office has done to this business is no different than when a group of thugs shakes someone down for protection money. This is extortion, period.
An earlier poster had a great idea; let's put a 1000% tax on BK and McDonald's for all of these fatties taking up space and running up our healthcare costs with their diabetes and heart attacks.
I quit smoking when packs hit $3.50. Now I see them creeping over six bucks a pack and you know what? I'm breathing easy and my wallet is a little heavier now. My fear though, is that if everyone quit smoking, we'll just be taxed on coffee or soda or something else. We can't win unless we send a clear message to the extortionists in Concord and Washington.
- j, manchester

Hmmm, let see, somehow this must be Obama's fault...ah, there it is, in the second post. Good ole UL.
- Fred D., Merrimack

I dont smoke, but why do the poor people who roll their own or smoke cigs paying more tax on their vices than the old rich guys who smoke pipe tobacco? If the people who roll their own are smart enough to buy pipe tobacco{ and save almost 35$ a carton} more power to them. Marketing shows that pipe smokers are in a higher tax bracket,so at the very least they should be taxed like us poor people, if not let the poor people take advantage of the break the government seems to be giving the better off.
- non smokers opinion, Manch

Remember when parents used to take responsibility for protecting their children...wow...thank god the government has stepped in to handle that now! Amazing any of us actually made it to adulthood!
- Mike, Epping

In general I favor taxes on non-essential and unhealthy luxury items including cigarettes, cigars, alcoholic beverages and gambling.

However, the state's attempt to pull this company's products under the 'cigarette' umbrella is shameless and transparent attempt to increase revenue generation.

If the state wants revenue from pipe tobacco, then perhaps the tax code should be changed to include it.
- Dan, Auburn

What if someone wants a cleaner tobacco than what is commonly found in the formaldehyde-laced coffin nails on the market today?

Let's face it; the state is out of control at the helm of a renegade attorney general office with no accountability.

The state trashed the private property of a Concord developer in an environmental witch hunt and is deservedly so now being sued.

The state attempted a brazen theft of private funds from the JUA and is deservedly so being sued over that.

Now the state makes wild and unsubstantiated claims to harass and sue a proprietor out of business because some pencil pusher within the state has personal objections \with that proprietor’s (legal) line of business. Yes, that is probably all this is about.

What's next, the state will sue strip clubs, bars, and other businesses that can be deemed by some as immoral, but not illegal? Hey Lynch, why don’t you sue your own liquor commission for setting up shop on state highways, how irresponsible is that?

Yesterday the UL had a piece asking where NH's fossils are. It’s becoming more and more apparent that one is right under our noses. Live Free or Die is an ancient relic who's spirit the State is trying to crush. Live Free or Die is a fossil, a dead idea that has been reduced to a marketing slogan, a mere Kodak moment for tourists.
- Chuck, Chester

Ok, as many others have said--the "Children" strategy is BS!

Well what about alcohol? There are plenty of cheap alcoholic beverages on the market... at your local corner shop. Things I would NEVER taste but they are there such as 40oz lagers and mad dog 20/20... plenty are between the prices of $1.00 - $3.00, prices I consider VERY affordable "For children".

I think the real question should be... after all is said and done and once the court case is closed... compare the money spent on legal fees to the money the state would make by taxing this lonely business in the state of NH.

Will they really make that much money???

WASTE!
- Brian, Manchester

interesting how rob smith uses the term "retarded" to describe people addicted to cigarettes. this insults the many wonderful physically and mentally challenged as well as the millions of decent people who got hooked on tobacco. it also reinforces the fact that this tobacco attack is motivated by money and fueled by ignorance.
- scott, hooksett

Would all of you whiny, hypocritical babies stop trying to pass off this fraud as "Protecting The Children?" The taxes on tobacco are nothing more than an easy source of income for liberal politicians, because it's so easy to vilify the smokers and any legislator who votes against it.
Tobacco is already illegal for those under 18. Trying to make it too expensive for kids is redundant.
Have the courage to say you levied the tax because it's an easy target! Pinning it on "The Children" is the last resort of a charlatan.
- Steve, Goffsotwn

The 'protect the children' spiel is old and tired. This has everything to do with tax revenue and nothing to do with kids.
- Art, Portsmouth

Yep, government imposing even more regulation on commerce. That slippery slope just keeps getting more slippery!
- R, Raymond

Im no fan of smoking but this is just another way to make N.H. The highest tax burden in the country. It gets worse! The State changed the tax laws for 2010. They are going to tax gaming at 10% of gross! Thats before taxes. Lottery winnings, your trip to the casino, 10% off the top! If you go to CT and win $5000 and lose $4000 1 hour latter the State of NH. will tax you on $5000! They are keeping a lid on it for fear that lottery sales will dip.
- Don, Manchester

Cigarettes should not be visible from any checkout counter in the state. Instead they should have pictures of frail elderly people on oxygen bent over their spit bowls hacking and coughing their way to an early death. And cigarette related illness should not be covered by our new health care system, let the addicts learn the hard way.

If I hear one more retarded addict whine about cigarette taxes I'm going to scream.
- Rob Smith, Manchester

The tobacco tax is totally out of control. Hey, NH - how 'bout you start taxing the morbidly obese people? You know - the ones who run up health care costs because of diabetes, high-blood pressure, joint issues, heart ailments..you can stop them as they exit the McDonalds drive-thru and grab their change. No wait - let's tax joggers! I'm sure their little feet pounding the pavement is causing the decay of our roadways - let's suck some money out of them! How about taxing people who rent Netflix? Their sedentary lifestyle, sitting on the couch & watching a movie, is sure to cause health issues that the state will end up paying for. My point is this...the smokers have had enough!! BTW - didn't the state sue the tobacco manufacturers years ago and get billions of dollars to pay for the "extra" healthcare us smokers require? So If I get lung cancer, my treatment is free, right? Oh wait - that money went to support schools, didn't it. Hey, NH - what are you going to do when my husband and I quit smoking and you have to close a school up in Pittsfield or something - cuz we're not supporting it anymore?!?!?!
- JMR, Bedford NH

The tax rate on tobacco is way out of control. smokers didn't vote for this tax I can assure you ! If the equal taxes were to be proposed for alcohol I doubt it would pass. There are for more drinkers that smokers in politics and they wouldn't stand for that !!!!!!!
- richard, hinsdale

This is a dastardly situation that calls for the legislature and the governor to immediately drop all other business and convene on a 24/7 basis to review,investigate, discuss and evaluate the situation and to develop and implement a plan of action to address the situation in a manner that will provide maximum benefits to the state. There is simply no amount of time, effort and money that is too great to resolve this crucial issue. And when that issue is taken care of, perhaps the legislature and governor can tackle some minor issues like the budget, crime, education, taxes and our dilapidated infrastructure.
- Brian, Farmington

My Parliament Lights cost me just about the equivalent of a ten year olds weekly allowance. I should be paying more, thank you for showing me the way AG!!!
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

Just another example of government infringing upon the rights of our children to become tobacco addicts. These restrictions to a free market economy not only impact the tobacco industry but the profits of the insurance and health care industries that depend on cancer to help their bottom line. Taxes like this kill jobs! Live free and die!
- Steve M., Suncook

Kudos to Andrew Shullman for calling out the state. Putting the products within reach of children? Are you kidding me? Did the State of NH really just publically make the assumption that Tobacco Haven may sell their product to underaged and illegal customers? Kids see it all day long when they buy their snacks and drinks for school or after school. As long as businesses continue checking IDs and not selling minors...you could wrap the tobacco in cotton candy and kids wouldn't have easy access to it.
- Bill, Manchester

Why doesn't the state just have the laws re-written to include pipe tobacco. Wouldn't that make more sense than trying to make the situation fit the law?
The state is being disingenuous because it has to "Tow the line" for the GOVNA! Just admit it, IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY!
- Dan, Derry NH

Thanks for clarifying the price difference between the two.
- Harry, Atkinson

The tobacco taxes are some of the more evil and regressive taxes out there. Taxation is theft; taxation is violence. Jack knows, that whole crap about children is to get an emotional response so people don't realize they're being screwed. The state is Tony Soprano and he wants his cut!
- Travis, Manchester, NH

The "vulnerable children" comment from the AG is just over the top. This is about bureaucrats harassing a legitimate business owner, no more, no less.
- R.P., Kingston

Just create a "Smoker's Club"...where members "join", pay annual dues, get a card and have access to a smoker's room where the machines are there...free to use for "members only". Then it is a 'not-for-profit "club".
- Larry, Nashua

Why don't they just leave this business owner alone? NH should be glad he's even doing business here. Why do they feel the need to harass him?
- tracy, manchester

I think this is perfect. Under the same thought pattern, new car lots that install options (different radio, side steps to trucks...)be deemed a car manufacturer. It is not even the consumer doing the work it is the car lot and we pay them to do it. Therefore they must help repay all this crazy bailout money tax payers have given them.
- Jim, Loudon

The whole children story is a fat lie. It is all about the tobacco taxes.
- Chris, Merrimack

I hope the business prevails in this. The state's arguments are disingenuous at best. It's about the children !! What a crock, it's all about the money..always has been..

As a smoker, I'd support the State outlawing tobacco entirely, it'd be cheaper if it were illegal!

The only ones more addicted to tobacco than smoker's are the local and federal government who are hooked on the revenue it generates !
- Jack, Windam

"The state has also argued that "pipe tobacco" is singularly dangerous because it was being sold at prices "so low that young people would have found them affordable."

Yes God forbid anyone would find tobacco affordable and in true fashion the citizen’s new nanny state is only taxing smokers 600% for the children, next our food and soda products for the children.

Those of you who backed high taxation of smokers because you know what is best for everyone else will be next on the hit list to loose your freedom of choice to nanny. Gambling is a pretty destructive vice for many so maybe we need legislation taxing all gambling winnings 50%, for the children’s sake of course.

Sorry but I know what is best for gamblers. LOL
- Deb, Derry

Money, money, money..........why balance the state budget when you can just raise more revenue through taxation, silly liberals what will they think of next. I know! The state can tax you so heavily on the sale of your home that you can never leave just like in the communist states to our south.
- AMC, Troy

As the saying goes..... "follow the money"!! Now we have the State telling retailers that can't do something completely legal because they feek they are missing some revenue (may the AG's lawyers should start walking the streets searching for pennies on the ground). The State even comes up with a false premise (it makes the cigarettes affordable for children to buy) in oder to make their ruling! Perhaps ALL the tobacco companies should get together and refuse to sell ANY tobacco products in NH? Let's see how the State would like that! (probably would take the tobacco companies to court to force them to sell their products in NH saying that NH was being discriminated against)(wonder if they could spin the suit into making it a hate crime at the same time!) :-) HELLO AG's office!!! - it's ILLEGAL to sell ANY tobacco products to minors!!!! (are illegal immigrants exempt from they laws?)

Hmm, it also seems to IGNORE the fact that the federal government (Thanks Obama!) raised the taxes on raw cigarette tobacco by a whopping 2400% (as oppsed to the increase on cigarettes at a much lower percentage).

Wake up folks - we, the middle class, are being driven into submission and it won't be long before no one will have any choice but to become a lemming and follow "our" pied piper!!
- Ted C, Swanzey

Well this certainly looks like something worthwhile for the State to invest thousands of dollars in investigating and prosecuting. Is Belichek the new AG?
- Bruce, Derry