I get that I’m dumb. People think that I’m dumb and then they treat me like I’m dumb, so I must be dumb. Still, I wish someone would humor my dumb ass and explain something to me.

The state of Maryland has a $1.5 billion deficit. To make up that deficit, we’re going to get the shit taxed even further out of us. From gas (which apparently is good “tax policy” because dumb fucks like me blame the oil companies for the increase in prices and not the government) to sales to services, taxes are going up. Thankfully I am dumb because I’m being told I’ve gone long enough without a sales tax increase and I should be grateful for that.

Anyway, the one tax increase I don’t get is the proposed $2 per PACK one that’s supposed to be such a big help in tackling the deficit. The state’s own fiscal analysis says that a cigarette tax increase will be good for $220 million the first year, but that number will decrease as people are forced or choose to quit over the high cost of smoking, among other things that get people to quit smoking. Like dying.

So here’s my question: aside from the fact that smoking is being banned pretty much everywhere in the state because people have already decided other people shouldn’t smoke while the government that supports such banning tactics leans harder on smokers to pay its bills, what happens when that $220 million does decline and we’re right back where we are now looking for another $220 million dollars to pay for shit we don’t need from the government?

I know, dumb question.