Jackson Free Press

Smoking kills almost 4,700 Mississippi residents each year and costs local taxpayers more than $719 million in health-care costs. Given the current economic crisis this state is facing, increasing Mississippi's cigarette excise tax is a win-win solution for both our state government and our citizens.

The Mississippi Legislature is considering a bill that would alleviate budget stress and long-term health-care costs in the state. I support the efforts of the American Heart Association and other organizations to combat the costly and fatal habit of cigarette smoking by raising the cigarette excise tax.

As we search for solutions to our current economic dilemma, and as this issue comes up for debate, our Mississippi lawmakers should keep the health of all Mississippians in mind.

Rob Rockhold, Ph.D.
American Heart Association Volunteer
Canton

A Republican's Haven
Hey Republicans! Come to Mississippi, a Republican's dream vacation or retirement destination. Get away from those leftist liberal Democrats who are trying to save the nation. We have it all just waiting for you.

Do you love sunshine, but not in your politics? Want an abortion? Good luck. Nuclear power and clean coal? We're on it. Offshore drilling? You betcha. Money for education? Only during an election year. We have statewide coverage of Rush, your leader, on tons of AM stations so that you can receive your daily talking points. We hate unions, and we love secret tax breaks for corporations.

Come to our state and enjoy the low cost of living due to the masses of poor people. We can keep them that way for you by paying them some of the lowest wages in the nation and teaching "abstinence only" in schools, which has helped us lead the nation in teen pregnancies. Of course, we will then try to slash Medicaid, food stamps and any other program that you think might lighten their load and help them pull themselves up.

We even have Democratic representatives that have a "D" behind their name because "R" was already taken. Our Capitol City even has a petulant mayor who has modeled himself after your former Great "Decider." He loves to dress up as the "rule of law." How quaint.

For your more important sensory pleasures, we have some of the cheapest cigarettes in the nation. No longer do you have to be a bit player in a regional rump political party relegated to a diminishing minority in the remaking of what once was. You can be the big dog here.

Come sit in a rocker on the veranda with our governor and have a mint julep and cheap cigar while you gaze out beyond the casinos to the future oil rig sites on our lovely brown-hued Gulf.

So, Republicans, come to Mississippi where your fondest dreams and wishes come true
every day.

This ad is approved by the "Get the Republicans Out Of D.C. Coalition."

Brian Essex
Jackson