Pawtuxet River Valley

Feb. 15, 2009

Dear Max and friends,

Why finish the idea in taxing cigarette smokers?  The smokers only perform this habit to relieve anxiety and frustration.

Speaking of relieving tension and budget problems: I have another tax idea to help Rhode Islanders with anxiety woes.

On this matter, I am amazed  some intelligent lawyer in the Rhode Island General Assembly has not suggested legalizing marijuana and prostitution to close up a $375 million budget shortfall.  In this proposed solution, the state could establish a  marijuana manufacturing plant or brothels of distinction in East Greenwich, Lincoln, Barrington or Narragansett.  These communities seem so impoverished, they could use the manufacturing base for local government taxation.

Therefore, the state could tax and regulate marijuana and prostitution.  Pot growers and "evening workers" could be tested for product integrity and licensed as are teachers, plumbers, and electricians.  In the meantime, job creation would result from testing bureaucracies. 

In closing, one better conclude these ideas before some state politician admires these suggestions and actually proposes them on the House floor.   

Peace,  Jim

Not the first time...proposals like this surfaced -judge turned legislator of many years ago as I recall.

I think we need to realize the cost of smokers addicted and youngsters who are getting hooked and we all face the cost of medical care and early deaths

Maybe we could tax donuts and high fat and sugar products

We do not need to legalize drugs. and see their damage

We have alcohol and tobacco already

February 15, 2009

Dear Arthur,

Increased creation of inexpensive health clubs and more inexpensive foods would provide better answers and be more cost effective than cancer chemotherapy and radiation.  Case in point in preventative wellness, the owners of Planet Fitness Health Club on Armistice Boulevard, reap the benefits of a well-priced, well-located club.

First of all, maybe Blue Cross and Blue Shield and other health providers would be wiser to provide inexpesive health clubs for young people and thus, encourage good physical and moral behavior. 

Second of all, the idea of an increased high fat and sugar food products tax would probably work better in Massachusetts where the Commonwealth has never taxed candy.

However, supermarkets should be morally and politically obligated to provide consumers with lower prices for high protein foods such as milk, peanut butter and jelly, bananas, fruits and vegetables.   Instead of a frustrated anxious child smoking a cigarette, maybe chomping celery would prove productive.

In closing, better health clubs and lower prices for high protein foods may reduce the need for cigarettes and high health care costs.

Peace,  Jim

Most plans do have fitness benefits and some prevention benefits...but there are cost savers put in place to prevent abuse with most people having copays, but those also prevent some with limited finances.

There is a value based economy here and sometimes the quality story does not get out well, but as many folks who use Whole foods mkt say, you can shop the sales and buy well to buy the best for you and your family.

Jim knows that sometimes a teacher needs to change his messages to all getting the message. We try everyone and yet sometimes they are not are hearing it

Just like the sports role models with steroids and big buck athletes send a message to kids and adults. Is it the correct one?