Despite Campaign Pledge Obama Raises Taxes on Poor Who Smoke

Largest tax increase on tobacco of all time hits poor and African-Americans hardest!

Remember this? During the campaign McCain repeatedly warned that Obama would raise your taxes. In response Obama said:

"I can make a firm pledge. Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes." Barack Obama Dover, NH September 12, 2008

According to a Gallup survey the biggest tax increase of all time on tobacco hits hardest at the poor who are overwhelmingly more likely to be smokers. It's worse still for African-Americans. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 59% of black men and 41% of black women smoke.

The same group is also least likely to quit smoking.

Few conservatives are surprised that Obama broke his tax pledge. And pretty soon, even non smokers will see their taxes rise if Obama's cap and trade program is enacted. Anyone who turns on an electric light, uses transportation of any kind, except a bicycle, or buys food will pay more for those goods and services.

And as for the promises that poor people will get some of that cap and trade money back? Well, don't hold your breath.

Just remember, we told you so before the election and you said we were wrong. Who is wrong now?