Soundings from The Wharf 

SCHIP Summary: Last fall was the last time a newsletter was published. I would like to thank all of you who took the time to write to your Federal Representatives and Senators to voice your opinion regarding this unfair smoking tax. At that time, smokers were facing a crippling tax increase on all smoking products to pay for a proposed $50 Billion expansion of the State-Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Two different versions were passed in the summer and fall by Congress last year and in both cases were vetoed by President Bush as he had promised to do. His principle argument, and that of most thinking people, was that if the US citizens want a form of national health care, as was proposed by SCHIP, then the cost should be borne by all, not just by smokers. It is interesting to note that, since last fall, national enrollment of SCHIP has increased around 6 million, a 5.9% increase. Somewhere, somehow, the states have found sufficient money to finance the increased enrollment without additional tax money from smokers. However, the struggle to strangle smokers to cough up more tax revenue to finance SCHIP is simply in remission until a liberal president and congress are in place to assure the legislation will be passed. At that time, the Cossacks will ride into The Wharf and only embers will be left behind. Please review past newsletters to appreciate the reference to the Cossack expression.

It is also of interest to note that the Massachusetts Health Care System that has been touted as a model by some presidential candidates as something they would support as a federal program if elected is now in financial trouble. Their State Legislators are proposing a minimum increase of $1.00 in cigarette tax per pack to overcome the deficit.

Three Smokers can be placed on your calendar as they are rock solid. If you have never attended one of our Smokers, please do so as they are really fun times and some real bargains are always offered.

1)      On Thursday, 8 May from 4 to 8 PM, Andy Lee of the Oliva Family of Cigars Company will be here to promote their full line of premium cigars. Their recent addition of the Serie V line has met with instant success as those of you who have smoked them well know. Andy is a newcomer to Oliva, but not to cigars. His wit and knowledge about cigars is entertainment in itself. You may view their complete line at www.olivacigar.com.

2)      Just two weeks later, 22 May from 4 to 8 PM, the CAO Cigar Company, represented by Miguel Schoedel, will stage another of their spectacular cigar extravaganzas. CAO has always gone all out to host a great event and this one should be no exception. This will be Miguel’s first event after surgery last February to remove a brain tumor. It is worthwhile to mention that CAO continued to pay Miguel his full salary during his two months of recovery. They not only produce great cigars but have a large corporate heart as well. Be sure to be here to greet Miguel. You may view their product line at www.caointernational.com. CAO is now marketing the Carlos Toranno full line of premium cigars. We will have a Toranno Smoker sometime this summer.