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The largest federal tax on tobacco in American history hit Wednesday, increasing the price in some areas to as much as 11 dollars a pack.

The tax money will go toward a new health care initiative designed to broaden healthcare to children.

Hello, I’m Christina McAusland and you’re watching Newsy.com

CNN says the new tax will benefit the health of Americans

“All the research, all the evidence shows that one of the best ways to reduce smoking-- particularly among kids is to increase price. Our model says that almost 2 million kids will be prevented from becoming smokers. Just from this price increase.” (CNN)

Anchors on MSNBC’s Morning Joe disagree about whether tobacco should be taxed.

“‘That’s unbelievable, what do they gonna tax’ -- ‘all good there’ ‘no it’s not’ ‘what are they going to tax next? Sunshine? I mean good lord, puppy dogs really?’ ‘Cigarettes are horrific for your health.” (MSNBC)

Dennis Miller talked to Bill O’Reilly on FOX News about the hypocritical nature of the tax.

 “I love the fact that we’re getting preached personal discipline by the cat who can’t quit smoking. I think he ought to start lighting up at these press conferences and when they say, “How many zeros are there in 780 billion, just start blowing smoke rings.” (FOX News)

Some Americans are upset that the government is asserting control in their lives. A commenter on New York Times Blog “City Room” joined the discussion.

“Freedom means you have the choice to do dumb things.
I don’t encourage dumb behavior, but I am worried about the danger of letting the government take these things away, and get addicted to the “sin” tax…” (The New York Times)

So what do you think?  Should the government be raising the tax on tobacco?  Should they be doing more to get smokers to quit?