Marlboro

The Senate Finance Committee has approved a 50-cent-a-pack discount marlboro tax increase. The action, earlier this week, would use the money to add more people to the Medicaid roles. And, most importantly, in addition to that money, it would give South Carolina access to an additional $500 million for the state-federal health insurance program for the poor, disabled and elderly. In other words, if we don’t, we are in effect throwing away $500 million. And think about the unreimbursed cost of people getting treatment or not getting it and getting sicker and costing taxpayers more in the end. And think about the accepted figures that increasing the tax reduces the number of people, especially youngsters, who smoke. And think of the cost they add to the health care system. According to an Associated Press story, the senate committee approved the bill by a 14-8 vote. The same story, however, indicated there will be strong opposition on the Senate floor.

I could have titled this УHow to stop smoking smokes without quittingФ. ThatТs what happened to me. I call it my СRed SeaТ experience. Actually, its just one of my СRed SeaТ experiences, but it was monumental. It was a miracle! I had an experience with my СRed SeaТ that spanned a couple decades before the sea finally parted under the power, Love, grace and mercy of God. For over twenty years I longed for and prayed for deliverance from smoking. Gum, patches, will power, laying on of hands, Сcasting outТ, etc. Nothing worked. But I was getting older and increasingly concerned about my health and the effects of a lifetime of smoking cigarettes catching up with me. My daughter pleaded for me to quit and I couldnТt blame her, but the pressure was horrible since I didnТt have the means to end this. I was really desperate.