Some things can be done by the current administration which could at least save its face in the history books, and one of them is even mentioned in the SONA. Increasing the current rate of taxes on "sin" products such as cigarette, liquor and etc. would certainly be appreciated if not by today's hyper sucking and drinking generation but by the cleaner-lunged kids of the future with all the proven harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
It's actually a classic application of the age-old adage, hitting two birds on one stone. Not only we could breath freely but it could also mean increased internal revenue for the government. I just hope congress would act fast on the only topic that made sense on Arroyo's SONA. Knowing that most of these lawmakers are smokers and drinkers, this undertaking is all but easy. If only the congressmen and senators would think on the ripple effect this policy would have on the country. Healthy kids, more revenue for state education, roads and much, much more.
Lots of policies are needed to be put in action to improve the lives of our fellowmen, not just statistically and I know it won't happen overnight nor will it be taken lightly by greedy politicians whose personal interests stand in the way of national development. The cheaper medicines act surely underscored how tough it is to pass a law with the people's welfare on its top priorities in this bureaucracy we call home.
by: Ivar
7/31/09 10:03 P.M.
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