Beware---this is a soapbox post!

Is anyone else totally amazed that the lead story on CNN.com this morning was about how smokers are being "picked on" because of today's tobacco products tax hike? I cannot believe that a story like this would even make the main page of ANY newspaper, much less be the lead story.

I cannot believe that smokers are complaining about the recent tax hike. Would CNN run the story if it were chocoholics complaining about a raise in candy bar prices? Or if soda drinkers were appalled that a bottle of soda in a convenience store costs over $1.50? I certainly doubt it.

Now, I understand that, having never smoked in my life, I don't understand the addiction of smoking. However, I feel I am fairly well educated, and smart enough to know that smoking is addictive AND bad for your health. Frankly, I am GLAD that President Obama signed this piece of legislation. Americans need to do a LOT to be healthier. Smoke-free restaurants (like those here in WV), designated smoking areas AWAY from the doors of a building, and now this tobacco tax hike are all designed to protect those of us who choose NOT to become second-hand smokers. Well, maybe not the tax hike, but I believe I can make a case for that arguement. Not to mention that proceeds from this tax hike will go to Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIPs) so that children can be covered by some sort of health care coverage.

Here's the deal Americans....if you are disgusted that you have to pay $5.00 a pack for cigarettes, DON'T BUY THEM! In the article I read, most people were pissing and moaning about the hike, but both people who were specifically interviewed said they would continue to smoke. Folks, you have free will. You CAN make decisions for yourselves. And if that decision includes continuing to indulge in whatever your vice is (cigarettes, candy bars, soda, eating out, whatever) then you don't have the right to complain about it! I highly doubt that the President sat in his office drumming his fingers together in his best evil villain impersonation saying "I will purposely tax tobacco so that all smokers are being picked on. I will purposely single out people with addiction and make them suffer." Seriously, folks, get a grip.

And shame on CNN for running this story as a lead story. Shame on news industries for highlighting this as "important" for all Americans to know about. I have never been a fan of the news media as a whole, and today is yet another example of why. The next time I go to get a candy bar and I am mad about the price, I am calling CNN and demanding that they run my story. And we'll see how far that goes.