Because I smoke cigarettes, you call me sinner, heathen and a threat to all. You Utah legislators keep mandating more and more places where I cannot smoke. When there was a place for me and kindred spirits to gather, you stuck your nose in private businesses and outlawed Utah's private club system. Now with your predatory tobacco tax bill last spring, you drove me out of the state to shop because stores were forced to close.

You tell me I cannot smoke, but then you want me to smoke in order to tax me to repay your fiscal irresponsibility. I offer my congratulations. Utah's state legislators have raised the art of hypocrisy to levels never before seen.

A drunk (former Utah Senate Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack), a pedophile (former House Majority Leader Kevin Garn), and a moron (Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, tobacco tax bill sponsor) dictate how I am to live my life. Special honorable mention to Gov. Gary ("no tax increases") Herbert — you really keep your word. Since you expect me to bail out your financial incompetence, when you see me enjoying my vice of choice, at least have the courtesy to say thank you.

Gary Mecham

Woods Cross