I am writing because I am tired of reading about cigarette taxes. Yes, I am a smoker. I know all the risk. I am responsible for myself. Yes, I agree tobacco cost millions in health care.

The thing that makes me angry is what about taxing alcohol? It amazes me that I can go into a store and get a can of beer cheaper than a bottle of soda. Why not tax alcohol more? Does smoking a few cigarettes before driving make me drive recklessly and kill someone?

What about all the abuse of children and spouses that alcohol causes? Alcohol has just as much health risk as tobacco, but nobody wants to look at that. Maybe because it is acceptable in Maine.

I lived in Boston slums most of my life. I swear I have seen more domestic abuse in Franklin County than Boston.

How many times do I read about people being killed by drunken drivers (not two-pack-a-day smokers).

Come on folks, wake up and see the real issue. There was a time when the tobacco companies pumped lots of money into government. Has that stopped, or have the alcohol companies taken over?

I will let you judge.

Karen Raymond, New Vineyard