Remember all that tobacco money that the states demanded from tobacco companies. The money was supposed to help recoup medical costs and develop anti-smoking programs. Well, apparently state politicians are spending the money on the usual vote-buying schemes, without meeting even the minimum requirements for anti-tobacco spending. In fact, only three states, Maine, Delaware and Mississippi, are spending enough to meet the minimum requirements.

"The states are receiving more and more revenue related to tobacco but doing far too little to fund programs to reduce tobacco use, particularly among children," said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "They're using the money to fill short-term budget shortfalls, build roads and every other conceivable political purpose."

Well surprise surprise. What would you expect when states develop such a vested financial interest in smokers. Of course when smoking is eventually outlawed, all that money will go into the black market and start funding terrorism and organized crime.