It seems counterproductive to me that they don't want to tax cigarettes enough to cut into tax revenue. In that case, it gives the appearance that rather than t

It seems counterproductive to me that they don't want to tax cigarettes enough to cut into tax revenue. In that case, it gives the appearance that rather than trying to benefit the public, they just picked something unpopular enough where they can dishonestly squeeze extra money out of some people. I never thought about it, but now that I do, vice taxes shouldn't go into the public coffers to prevent a conflict of interest. It should have a mandatory use in reducing the vice, or directly paying for economic externalities caused by the vice, and if not possible, should get donated to charity.