Sadly, neither the US reps in my present state, nor the reps in my long term home of AZ occupy a spot on Ways and Means (pity, I used to be the Area coordinator for the (now) minority party in AZ's 18th legislative District, and as I like to quip, "I still have pics of John McCain and I cleaning out a part of his backyard for a BBQ fund-raiser, to prove it". Nonetheless, I sent the following to the chairman on the Ways and Means (Chuck Rangel, God help us), as well as those I know in the present house.
"Many times in our country's history, even the most reasonable of men and women have become swept up in a societal and legislative tsunami. Be it the hysteria of the McCarthy era, or the well intended naivety of the Volstead Act, the firebrands genuinely believed that their aim was to improve the lot of a group of individuals, or the country, whether those affected could see the benefit or not. And, for at least a short while, moderates were placed in the horrid position where they believed a "Nay" vote would spell doom for their political careers. After all, what kind of REAL American could possibly be against the evils of liquor, or in favor of Communists eventually taking over the government?
Eventually enough courageous legislators banded together, said "It stops here", and voted based upon reason and the reality of the situation, not the pressures of fashion.
To place any additional increase in taxation on this most benign form of tobacco usage, much less than the bewildering 775% increase proposed in H.R. 4439, an increase that would effectively toll the death-knell for both a cottage industry, as well as this time honored, and respected means of seeking solace and quiet enjoyment.
Respectfully, I submit that it is well past time to say "Enough!", and ask that you oppose H.R 4439.
Dr. Ronald "Bear" Graves
