[OT]: smokers - was: [oclug]new kind of keyboard

[Brad Barnett]

On Thu, 23 Jan 2003 20:31:24 -0500
Mike <kenziem at sympatico.ca> wrote:

> On Thursday 23 January 2003 16:41, Brad Barnett wrote:
> >
> > For example, let's look at health care, and the concept of "sin" tax. 
> > The reasoning behind extra taxation on booze and smokes is that you're
> > going to be causing issues for the rest of us.  You're more likely to
> > get this or that disease, due to the habit that you've undertaken. 
> > (yes, I realise this wasn't the initial reason behind these taxes, but
> > it is the reason given for sustaining them).
> >
> > If this is the case, should people who take part in certain sports not
> > be taxed additionally?  Mountain climbing, parachuting, and such,
> > obviously carry a higher risk than walking down the street.  There are
> > people that go hiking for miles into the North, get injured and have
> > to be lifted out.
> >  Why are the purchase of paraphenilia for these activities not taxed
> >  at a
> > higher rate?  Why are people who take part in these activities not
> > taxes somehow, since they are at higher risk?
> 
> Most of the equipment purchased for these sports is for the purpose of 
> reducing the risks.  When I was climbing, the most dangerous part of the
> day was the drive to the cliff, followed by the walk in.  

I'd disagree with that.  If you look at the amount of deaths and injuries
PER PERSON ENGAGED in the activity, you'd find that rock climbing is much,
much higher than driving a car.

However, the tax on the equipment isn't the best bet.. you do want people
to definitely but equipment. ;)  However, the concept of taxing the
equipment is merely suggested as a means to compensate for a form of
physical activity that is more dangerous than the norm.

Futhering this thread, people in the city should be taxed at a higher rate
than those living in the country, on a quality of life basis.  Of course,
maintaining services in the country costs more, but that would have to be
worked out as well.

Long and short of it is, this sort of tax sucks, and doesn't work.  That
being said, it should be removed from alchol and cigarettes, or added to
those sports that are likewise, risky.