Smokin'

Today, our nation takes its first step toward solving the government's financial problems.

A new tobacco tax goes into effect, raising the federal tax from 39 cents to $1.01 per pack.

Why haven't we done this before? How long will it be before we take the logical next steps?

Substantially increase the "sin tax" on alcohol, especially imported varieties. Add a tax to fast food, soft drinks, pastries, chips -- all of those things that are making us fat. Tax people who do not exercise. Tax everyone who does not follow doctor's orders.

Install GPS devices in all vehicles to not only tax them for every mile driven but also for every time anyone fails to buckle a seat belt or any time the vehicle exceeds the speed limit or rolls through a stop sign.

Eventually, however, the majority of people will live right and tax collections will drop. Not to worry, we can just increase the taxes or, in a worst-case scenario, start taxing breathing.

A great day is just around a smoky corner.