The idea of "Raise tax on smokes" was based on the assumption that with smokes being too high, poor people can't afford them and simply quit. Those that kept smoking, give more hard cash to the government.

The problem is, this backfired and Big Tobacco increased its profits.

As despicable as Big Tobacco is, its the easy jobber that everyone can pass laws against since its been screwed hard with lawsuits left and right, and paid out in billions upon billions.

Meanwhile, the other industries get a free pass behind their shields....

I agree with SC. What bullshit.