In a nation that stresses equality for all, our state is an example of inequality, as our governor wants to put another 50 cents on a pack of cigarettes. Certainly the state is in a financial quagmire, but why pick on one set of people? The insurance companies penalize smokers, charging a higher premium. Smokers in Maine already pay some of the highest taxes levied on cigarettes.

Why doesn’t the governor add a tax to liquor? Or maybe he should tax certain foods because they have too many starches that make us fat and are bad for our hearts.

I already pay $2.37 a week for the Dirigo Health program. My employer has passed the tax imposed on them on to me. Why don’t they just raise the sales tax 1 percent and let everyone help pay the cost?

A 50-cent tax increase on every pack would bring in around $40 million. Increasing the state sales tax would bring in three times that amount and be a fair and equal method of providing more revenue.

Nancy Crabtree

Guilford