Sure we want our children to be happy, healthy and safe. But how do we go about accomplishing that?

Some think the answer is by over-taxing and otherwise harrasssing adults. Adults who smoke, that is.

That's what most of the anti-smoking legislation and proposed legislation is aimed at. And all with the purported aim of "protecting the children."

Every state already has laws against selling cigarettes to minors. What has increasisng the tax on them -- in some instances as much as $1.50 a pack -- got to do with "protecting the children"? Supposedly it will put the cost of smokes beyond the reach of minors.

:Well, if kids can get $100 tennis shoes and jackets with pro-team logos on them that cost $150 and up, a $2.00 or $3.00 or even $4.00 cost per pack of cigarettes is likely to prevent them from smoking if that's what they really want to do.

There is also the very likely prospect of black market cigarettes (it has already happened in more than one area) which would not only lower the price but increase the allure for many.

It's all just another example of the flawed thinking in the ranks of anti-tobaccoism.