It certainly does feel that way sometimes, doesn’t it? I think that’s why I’ve always had an instinctive aversion to “sin taxes.” They feel more like exploitation than anything else.

Good call citing the Eric Garner case, too. Selling loose cigarettes should be a civil offense, not a criminal one. That’s one of many, many, many reasons why I dislike Michael Bloomberg more than almost any other politician. I have nothing personal against the man, but his obsession with social engineering leaves a really bad taste in my mouth, even if his intentions are (possibly) good.