Tobacco: Tax It!!

Medical and Health > Drugs
Medical and Health > Public Health Issues
Political Science

Tobacco: Tax It!!

This paper traces the history of tobacco, known early to be the cause of cancerous deaths, and argues that tobacco taxes should be greatly increased.

2,435 words () | 1 source | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, as early as the 1800s, scientist began to recognize that nicotine was so poisonous that it could be used as an insecticide and that pure nicotine could kill humans. The author focuses on the dangers of secondhand smoke because she is appalled that, in the 21st century, there is still disbelief about its danger. The paper stresses that the taxes and laws that have come to fruition over the past 20 years are from nonsmokers speaking out. The author feels that, if the majority of smokers feel they have a right to be intolerant of nonsmokers who wish to live a healthier life, then they should have to pay for the privilege of smoking. The paper concludes that smoking, if not banded, should be taxed so high that it is unaffordable.

Table of Contents:
History and Health Issues of Tobacco in America
Tobacco Will Kill You
Where Do We Go from Here?
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In 1492, Christopher Columbus was offered dried tobacco by the American Indians as a gift. Columbus and his sailors brought tobacco back to Europe and it has grown their ever since. Again the supposed medicinal purposes of tobacco resulted in extreme popularity in Europe as it did in America. Thomas Harriet has the historical place in history as being the first to promote the smoking of tobacco as a way to get your recommended daily dose. It must be noted that Harriet died of nose cancer thought to be caused by exhaling the smoke from tobacco through his nose which was popular at the time."

Sample of Sources Used:

(n.d.) Cigarette Smoking. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2X_Cigarette_Smoking.asp?sitearea=PED
Brettingham, Madeleine. (September 24, 2005). Men's Life Expectancy is Catching Up With Women's. Retrieved April 6, 2007.http://www.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/331/7518/656.pdf
Randall, Vemellia. (1999). In the Beginning. Retrieved April 6, 2007. http://academic.udayton.edu/health/syllabi/tobacco/history.htm#health"
Randall, Vemellia. (1999). The New World Discovered. Retrieved April 6, 2007. http://academic.udayton.edu/health/syllabi/tobacco/history.htm#health
Randall, Vemellia. (1999). Tobacco: A Growth Industry. Retrieved April 6, 2007. http://academic.udayton.edu/health/syllabi/tobacco/history.htm#health