Ontario sues Big Tobacco for $50B

[Asher]

They've certainly seen his sig now. No sense complaining if they don't see a reason to have it changed.

[Wezil]

Small tobacco would be our native reservations, and they are *protected*.

They aren't exactly "small" anymore.

This article is from three years ago (the %'s are higher now).

Nearly 20% of cigarettes smoked in Canada are illicit, and that costs the federal and provincial governments $1.5 billion annually in lost tax revenue, Kemball claims. The size of the black market is approaching the levels seen during the smuggling crisis of the early '90s, when federal and provincial governments were forced to reduce taxes on cigarettes to combat the problem.

The current situation is worst in Ontario and Quebec, where contraband constitutes nearly a quarter of the market. More than 95% of the illicit smokes in the study came from native reserves, and Kemball connects the criminal networks involved in the trade to the trafficking of drugs, firearms and alcohol. What's to blame for the supposed surge in illegal activity? High taxes, Kemball says, which amount to $24.70 per carton of 200 cigarettes in Ontario.

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/stocks/article.jsp?content=20061120_82725_82725

[rah]

That's not quite fair. OFFICIALLY complain, and if they don't do anything, then you can *****.

[Dinner]

The hypocrisy is incredible.

I look forward to the multibillion dollar suits against alcohol producers and fast food purveyors.

Can I get a cut of those?

[Lorizael]

That's not quite fair. OFFICIALLY complain, and if they don't do anything, then you can *****.

This is the right approach. Man, it's like you were a moderator or something.

[rah]

[Asher]

I've OFFICIALLY complained in recent days of several blatant cases of Ben deliberately misrepresenting my position to tarnish my (sterling) character. It's clearly not an enforceable issue.

[Wezil]

I'm officially complaining:

My post - "My landlord would accept cash if I wanted to pay that way. Judging by the look of some of my deadbeat neighbours I suspect my landlord is just grateful to be paid." was sent to the bad boy thread (Exhibit A). Why?

[Ben Kenobi]

Hmm, I have no problem with girls having unprotected sex with their husbands in marriage and getting preggers. Pregnancy is such a blessing for them.

Thanks for putting that in your sig Asher!

[rah]

Did you use a PM and logically lay out your case?
Or did you just complain in a thread?

The mods have been quit responsive when I've had issues.
And considering how big of an ASS most consider me, I was impressed.

[Asher]

Did you use a PM and logically lay out your case?
Or did you just complain in a thread?

The mods have been quit responsive when I've had issues.
And considering how big of an ASS most consider me, I was impressed.

I've used the report-a-post functionality to draw direct attention to the offending posts.

[rah]

That's a great first step. I hope you included your logic, since there is considerable history here. If I got that type of notice from you it would have to be pretty tight before I would take action. But part of that is because I always enjoyed you guys trying to *****-slap each other. Somehow I don't think the current administration is as amused.

[Lorizael]

I'm officially complaining:

My post - "My landlord would accept cash if I wanted to pay that way. Judging by the look of some of my deadbeat neighbours I suspect my landlord is just grateful to be paid." was sent to the bad boy thread (Exhibit A). Why?

Because it spawned from the BK pile on. But remember, there's a place for complaints: the OT moderator thread and a moderator's inbox.

[Ben Kenobi]

Lori, I don't have a problem with that post. I didn't think Wezil was referring to me. I actually agree with his logic.

[Wezil]

Ben isn't my neighbour. I didn't call him a deadbeat.

Geez.

A little quick on the the trigger finger I think.