Cigar Rights of America

As most of my fellow cigar smokers know, the government is almost always trying to impose taxes and regulations on us tobacco lovers.  Thanks to joint efforts of cigar smokers, and cigar manufacturers, the Cigar Rights of America (CRA) was founded.  Any and all funds go to fight tobacco legislation, and I think any and all Cigar smokers ought to support this cause.  I know I am in for at least a 1 year membership.  Here is what the website says about the CRA:

FIGHTING TO PROTECT YOUR FREEDOM TO ENJOY CIGARS

* “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”
* “Land of the Free”
* “No Taxation Without Representation”

These are the principles on which America was founded. Unfortunately for cigar enthusiasts, the age-old pleasure of enjoying a cigar is under attack. On a daily basis, your freedom to enjoy a cigar is being stripped away by an overzealous, anti-smoking movement. Their tactics are varied; be it through supporting onerous cigar taxes or lobbying government for restrictive smoking bans. The anti-smoking movement will stop at nothing short of the complete prohibition of tobacco.

The Declaration of Independence of the United States ensures that all men and women have the freedom and the right to the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, cigar enthusiasts have slowly allowed these rights to be removed. Over the past twenty years, the anti-tobacco movement has broadened their reach and scope and are moving towards abolishing ALL forms of tobacco including cigars. Until recently there has essentially been very little organized opposition to their actions. And why should there have been? Most of us assumed that their attention was directed towards cigarettes.

Unfortunately, we were wrong.

Forty-eight states in America have enacted cigar taxes. Some states have gone as far as taxing cigars at a rate of 80%. Currently, the entire cigar industry is threatened by the Federal Government’s State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) that threatens to increase the Federal cigar tax by as much as 6,000% (no this is not a typo). If it weren’t for President Bush ‘s veto of the bill proposed by the House and Senate last fall, you would currently be paying exorbitantly high prices for the cigars you enjoy so much and nearly every cigar shop in America would have been forced out of business. The proposed bill, which will tax cigars to fund SCHIP, is not dead yet. After the upcoming 2008 November election, the House and Senate will again attempt to increase the Federal tax on cigars to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan.

In addition to a tax increase on cigars, regularly introduced anti-smoking legislation has made it close to impossible for cigar enthusiasts to enjoy cigars. In many states, you are not allowed to enjoy a cigar at your local restaurant or bar. Cities around America are now proposing bans which will, if enacted, stop you from enjoying a cigar outside of public buildings. Who would have thought that the day would come when you cannot legally enjoy a cigar walking down the beach or sitting in your local park?

There is a war against cigar enthusiasts everywhere. To combat the very influential anti-smoking movement, we need your help NOW . Join CIGAR RIGHTS OF AMERICA (CRA) and join the fight to protect your rights. Cigar Rights of America has been formed to fight unjustified tax increases and halt smoking bans. For years, cigar enthusiasts have been trampled on by all levels of government. With increasing risk of further local, State and Federal government intervention, now is the time for the cigar community to UNITE and have a powerful voice to protect our rights.

Any cigar smokers that read this, please head over to http://www.cigarrights.org and PLEASE make a donation. Its for the benefit of cigar smokers everywhere!

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