Government Bans Low Prices

NYC Store manager faces $2000 dollar fine. His crime? Selling tobacco too cheaply!
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Kamal Saleh runs a small store in Brooklyn. He was recently given a summons to appear in court for violating one of New York's many rules. His crime was selling cigars... 11 cents too cheaply.
It's not often people complain about things being too cheap. But NYC says stores may not sell tobacco for below a certain price.

[@Rajaat99]

This isn't about health, it's about control and helping out their donors. All regulation is for the control and elimination of businesses that don't give money to politicians.

[@Icemario87]

Regulatory Agencies are the police arm of big industry. Yet everyone wants them to be stronger.

[@victorias1263]

You hit the nail on the head spot on, 1st they do it with alcohol and tobacco then they do it with sugary sodasugary soda's the point of all of it is is the government wants to control you. And we have gladly just handed it over without reading the fine print. They have definitely gotten too big for their bridges. The saddest part is as if you actually look and see what they spend the money on cause they think we're too stupid to know how to spend our own money.

[@search4truth104]

If only they cared that much about violent crime offenders. Imagine, yes sing that stupid song in your head.

[@THall-vi8cp]

@Ice Mario EXACTLY THIS! Regulatory and licensing agencies were created at the behest of big industry to suppress competition.

[@spudbono5747]

If only every voter could see and comprehend this comment. Perfectly stated.

[@zachwinters5387]

“It deters children from starting smoking” that is a load of crap; kids in my school would spend $50+ on a vape or a $100 for 2 week worth of weed, did this guy not go through high school?

[@ManoMamyte]

I mean there are no educational requirements for becoming a politicain, so everything is possible :)

[@fishsmell3939]

Oh became the working poor because the government keeps printing money.

[@bcarss1970]

Where did children get that kind of money to spend?

[@kiljaeden5405]

@@bcarss1970 Their parents ofcourse

[@PaulStringini]

He missed most of it because he kept getting his head stuck in the toilet.

[@beboboymann3823]

Thank you John for waging war on the bullies in your fight for us. Love your show.

[@NollieFlipX]

I just finish reading the first volume of Atlas Shrugged. And this kind of policies are pretty much exactly what the worse kind of people in the book push forward and so are the results. It angers me to the point of feeling the struggle in my chest. At the end of the day those policies with "good intentions" only serve to kill small business and keep the big business/corporation supremacy. What angers me the most are those SOBs hiding themselves in good intentions and soft spoken words, while getting pockets full for defending the corpo's interest. Corporatism at it's best. We need a John Galt

[@themiddleagedbaby]

I actually long for the days of funny mustache wearing scary totalitarians. This age of smiley authoritarians may be even more terrifying, because the average person does not see them for who they are. Great video, John.

[@jaredthelifeguard9865]

In that manner I honestly respect Putin. In an age of virtue signaling, baby kissing, sanctions and proxy war, he is blatant in his conquest.

[@dagnut]

@@jaredthelifeguard9865 and that's why he'll win, he's waited a long time to play his hand. A patient player is a dangerous player.

[@RVBMichaelJCaboose]

As the saying goes: the devil that you know is better than the devil that you don’t

[@wrongthinker843]

@@jaredthelifeguard9865 ...and that is before you take into account the situation is far from as clear-cut as the media would tell you.

[@anyways4438]

@@jaredthelifeguard9865 he's literally calling it the "liberation" of Ukraine from scary jewish liberal Nazi Zelensky, he's not blatant at all

[@adgtheone]

I'm very anti-smoking, drinking, and drugs, but this video hit's the nail right on the head: leave these poor small businesses alone!

[@scottyg5403]

Totally agree!

[@CncObsession]

Glad that is your view too. You do believe in freedom of choice for those who differ, dont you?

[@deterrumeversor8680]

Small businesses are not large lobbyists. But big businesses are.

[@bbbbbbb51]

And the poor users. If they actually wanted to help people quit smoking or not start it, there are a million better & more effective avenues than charging more for the product. All that does is make the poor poorer....

[@jonstewart9792]

I agree in a free country, people should be able to buy or sell the products they want, need or desire without burdensome fines, taxes or government price setting levied against them by overreaching politicians that were suggested by unelected bureaucrats!

[@Infamous_B_C]

The government wants to govern our stress management while they inflict stress on us. What a great circle of control

[@qwaszxpolkmncvb]

Until people who create policies like that get held accountable it'll continue to happen. There's no actual consequences to discourage or prevent them from gouging anyone.

[@sr-er1ip]

That's the problem. I'll bet every person in that poor neighborhood voted to increase the size of government and put into office the very people who imposed those costs. Sometimes you get the government you deserve.

[@warrenmcdonald8170]

"smoking hurts people" You are right. You know what else hurts people? Drinking soda, playing sports, driving cars, forgetting to wash your hands, having sex, taking a bath, riding a bike, literally anything a person can do. Stossel is right, this guy and everyone like him is just a bully. Notice how he always says "I think" or "I want". He's a self-righteous bully that doesn't actually care about the people he is "trying to help". It's all about making himself look good.

[@marcaldovino264]

People want to regulate that stuff too, if we all used public transport like busses, subway wed have less accidents, less traffic, less global warming. People want to regulate sugar in drinks and stuff because its more addictive than cocaine.

[@marlboroman2393]

@@marcaldovino264 the government should not police my individual risks… i drive with my seatbelt buckled behind me… and im okay with the risk i drive very well anyway

[@xRadio2006x]

yeah, i noticed the words he chose as well. Like anyone cares what his personal beliefs are. People like him are a big part of what is wrong in this country. They just can't seem to mind their own damn business. Let people make their own choices and live, or die, with the consequences of their decisions, if any. As long as it does not hurt anyone else, no one else should care.

[@TapOnX]

But the things you have listed (except not washing your hands, although that would be unintentional) have a number of positive consequences that generally outweigh the risks. Smoking on the other hand, is largely an addiction for the sake of addiction. What do you get out of smoking? A smoking break? A small talk with a coworker? That's not much, is it? No person is a fully-rational well-disciplined and perfectly informed customer they put in economic models. Not all the time. So ridiculously bad deals, where one side preys on the other's vulnerability must be discouraged and regulated. Selling a pack of cigarettes is one such deal.

[@xRadio2006x]

@@TapOnX clearly you have never been a smoker if you think all a person gets out of smoking is a "break" or "small talk with a co-worker". If a person falls for a model in an ad, let them. That has nothing to do with anyone else.

[@bushwriter]

Happens everyday. The Mom and Pop restaurant gets hammered by public health while the big grocery stores get rubber stamped.

[@zsewqthewolf1194]

we are also forgetting that it put nonvoilet crime makers at risk and we have an other riot on our hands that hurt mom and pop shops more. (look at the one riot started because because one guy buy cheap cigs in bulk and go to that state to make a profit)

[@r.m.5548]

That's because large store is clean and fixes things as needed. Small stores never get cleaned and don't ever fix anything.

[@chaosgyro]

@@r.m.5548 False. Large operations have people with certifications (takes about 8-10 hours to get) and a written policy called a HACCP, which stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. Companies submit their own plan, and regulators sign off on it, but the large operators essentially police themselves until a complaint, or multiple complaints, reach a level warranting direct investigation.

[@kamilo1175]

@@r.m.5548 I used to work for a fast food chain, shit breaks all the time, and corpo ass hats won't fix anything for months on end, while sending memos about poor performance when shit is not working. These big places do have certifications you need to pass, and inspections to watch out for, but things often are disgusting behind the scenes

[@bobbyvee8941]

It's easier for these limp-dick government agencies to "bully" smaller business. The big guys have Lobbyists and lawyers!

[@matthewmann8951]

Thank you sir. Keep them on there toes. Peace, happiness, gratitude.

[@GrnXnham]

Thank god we have the government stepping in! Nothing pisses me off more than low prices!

[@wordpressobsessed9067]

Getting really sick and tired of a handful of people in our society deciding what is best for the rest of us.

[@AxisSabian1]

Covid policies showed me how much power they have too !

[@Tonygarry78]

But no one wants a 2nd revolution. They keep poking a hungry tiger in a cage. And we keep letting them. Oh well. Carry on!

[@paperdo]

@@AxisSabian1 The covid policies showed anyone with half a brain. And people are actually dumb enough to believe that its over. Wether its covid or another “crisis”, the bureaucrats have shown that they are able and willing to abuse and seize power. And the citizenry have proved that they will accept it. But we’ll to what extent come midterms. Unfortunately, a vast majority of republican politicians went along with it. Trump included.

[@kentsears5452]

But the woke censorship loving progressive elite Dems are so virtuous and know what is best for all of us 😂

[@RagingInsomniac]

if youre wanting anarchy, i dont know if you realize how much a disaster that will be.

[@docgiggs]

This guy is lying through his teeth when he says that he is not interested in putting people out business.

[@glynnetolar4423]

Or he's bat crap crazy.

[@danielreardon6453]

Nah i believe he is genuine, he is most likely genuinely not interested in putting people out of business.... But if its the side effect of his policies then he wont care

[@bkcellularking6772]

thank you John by always fighting for the little guy and bringing to light these situations regular people and small businesses face.

[@pollyalamode]

You are a hero journalist, asking ALL the questions and your comments are golden. Thanks!

[@paul-ld9vh]

I'm astonished that this beaurocrat actually said what he did with a straight face.

[@billmurray1431]

Makes you sick to stomach listening to him and it should make you furious, even if you don't smoke.

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

He has the entire corporate media behind him, so he's got nothing to fear.

[@SKINWALKER]

| I'm not surprised. They can mark you a terrorist by peacefully protesting with a sign and then you find out your bank account is frozen...

[@TimothyWallace1953]

He's a true believer.

[@donovanwilliams5424]

Because there are no consequences for him.

[@steveladner4346]

The government could not care less about your health or safety.

[@memcgough3824]

FACT.. sounds like it's a Rich getting richer trick

[@danielreardon6453]

Its the apperance of government caring about health and safety is why they do it..... they only pass the law because it benefits the government or thier cronies

[@johnpatz8395]

As with most things, this isn’t about tobacco or health, and instead is all about CONTROL!

[@endofline.178]

My problem is how does selling a product $0.11 too cheap come with a fine of $2600? The punishment should fit the crime. Hit the store owner with a fine reasonable to the "crime" and this wouldn't even be a news story.

[@TimberWolfActual]

Manipulating public behavior through threats of fines (theft of property by government) is the crime here.

[@Agk3los]

The fact that he says straight up that they're targeting poor people and trying to price them out of being allowed to smoke is just... wrong. How are people not more angry about this?

[@msg4672]

Absolutely! And the tobacco companies AND government get richer off of it, knowing that addicts will find a way to pay whatever they charge.

[@bbbbbbb51]

@@msg4672 the tobacco companies don't, but the government sure does considering the high tax on cigarettes/cigars

[@dicky7600]

People are stupid

[@victorias1263]

@@dicky7600 You're right people are stupid they're killing themselves with small time stuff and then the government taxes them and spends it on Coke and crack for people in California

[@bockskarr6626]

@@bbbbbbb51 wrong big tobacco make tons of money and they pay the govt big money!!! Research the Master Settlement Agreement lol every state gets millions from big tobacco and that's not even lobbying money

[@michaeldomansky8497]

These Social Engineer Tyrants Must Be Disposed Of!

[@GIJOE-ke4yf]

Good job Stossel, your the best.

[@CMTT]

In Canada, they keep increasing the price for cigarettes with the idea that smokers will quit. Unfortunately some smokers star buying cheap counterfeit cigarettes made of ' questionable ' ingredients. I saw sparks fly out of one while it was lit and being inhaled...yeah

[@christingle2004]

They do it because it does lower the rate smoking. That’s why smoking rates are the lowest they ever been in western history. The problem becomes an ethical one, because do we value public health or affordability more.

[@BassAckwards2020]

Actually Fentynal is way more dangerous than tobacco....yet the government says keep the southern border open!! Let's Go Brandon

[@trevorrussell487]

Control is very addictive amongst the politicians and the admin. Stealing from normal people is these people's nature.

[@arepadetrigo]

Most politicians are as addicted to "Control" as smokers are to nicotine. And the politicians' addiction hurts others while helping (and usually enriching) themselves. They are bullies indeed.

[@sanniepstein4835]

Yes. I think it goes beyond metaphor. Power involves brain chemicals just as heroin does.

[@dmo7815]

Ensuring job security.

[@325xitgrocgetter]

In my town, we used to be able to select our own garbage service and negotiate our own price....the city decided that wasn't fair that some people were paying more than others. So the city took over management of the garbage service. We have a single carrier for our zone and the price is negotiated by the city.....The prices? Have gone up but hey, we're all paying the same. So we can't negotiate our own prices...and now we need to pay for a composting service...we don't have to use it but we still have to pay for it.

[@marcushoward6560]

Government has so very little that it is actually responsible for, and is not doing any of it because it is doing monumental amounts of garbage it has no authority to do.

[@dubbazify]

The problem with this policy is that it’s justification can and will spill over into future policy making. For example, if the cdc comes out one day and says we all should be eating less meat, small business owners would have to charge higher price whereas they could’ve sold it for much less. It’s an infringement on our rights, freedom, and the basic concepts of capitalism. Big business will always gladly accept these types of policies.

[@sarahisup]

At least take out the harmful chemicals that is in the nicotine cigarette. At least use organic tobacco... Smoke it outside so it doesn’t hurt other people

[@nebur59]

@@sarahisup have you ever heard of anyone’s death that was caused by second hand smoke? No, because it’s another falsehood pushed by wrongheaded liberal policies.

[@mikhailhunter5277]

you speak as if this is speculation, this most likely will happen

[@sarahisup]

nebur59 Secondhand smoke makes me ill and I used to be a smoker. Perhaps if there was only nicotine in it it would not affect me as badly but there’s too many chemicals in one cigarette

[@newagain9964]

@@sarahisup bruh. THIS isn’t THAT conversation. U took the special bus to school, eh?

[@UncleKennysPlace]

Both of my parents smoked, both died of lung cancer. A genetic test showed that, not surprisingly, I have a greater chance of getting lung cancer. Yet I fully support the right of any citizen to put any substance into their body without government interference, in any way. Laws should protect us from the actions of others, but not ourselves.

[@jimlovesgina]

The politicians and courts can spin anything into an effect on others. We have seen this in the Supreme Court and the interstate commerce clause. Those in power will simply interpret themselves more power.

[@Michael-mh2tw]

@@jimlovesgina This is what the constitution, along with legal precedent, is for. The courts can only go so far, and you know this. The court cannot interpret the first amendment to actually mean that Joe Biden gets to lick your asshole whenever he wants.

[@gheebuttersnaps2011]

Nobody took anyone's right to smoke away. We had minimum state laws for this stuff since the 40's and I bet 90% of the comment section didn't even notice. Governments regulate things, it's kinda their m.o. This isn't anything new or insane.

[@shirleyjust3305]

My mother and sister we heavy smoker both died in hospitals, both had great lung, doctors killed one by giving her morphine which she was allergic to and this fact was clearly stated on her charts, the other died of a urinary infection. I smoked for 57 years and doctors a surprised I every smoked at all my lungs are so good, I am now 80yr and still healthy.

[@BirdTurdMemes]

@@gheebuttersnaps2011 Just because something has been done for a long time doesn't make it good or even tolerable.

[@robertnemecek2144]

How do you look the same as 30 years ago? One of the very few who has stayed true to their craft. I salute you!

[@justmehere6094]

So Mr Ribisl, where does it stop? If Policy can decide what people can and can not do, where does it stop?

[@LivingOnCash]

It doesn't. That's the message. They want to control every aspect of your life. Guaranteed this guy is a democrat.

[@deannwalker4400]

Remember back in 2013 when Mayor Bloomberg wanted to ban the sale of sugary drinks larger then 16 ounces? Same nanny state mentality.

[@CapELarry]

“Twenty tobacco retailers per McDonalds” is a disingenuous, warped, and blatantly misrepresentative statement.

[@clintonrobinson8070]

If I had to guess which is worse for you, a pack a day or McDonalds every day I'd say Maccas by a mile.

[@orppranator5230]

@@clintonrobinson8070 Debatable, You die from lung cancer by 60, but from a heart attack by 40 if you are 400 lbs.

[@jeremybenoit759]

Ya I'd say it's probably fairly even all around, where I live in Toronto on almost every other block there is a McDonald's, a Starbucks or Tim Hortons, and a store that sells tobacco.

[@kimberlyruffo2891]

thanks for all your uploads! i think you are awesome.

[@christians131]

The un-mustached man is right. I’ve been addicted to smoking for years but because of that $0.11 hike, I finally quit. Thank you NYC for keeping me safe

[@rickybennett1403]

Still the scariest words ever spoken! " I'm with THE GOVERNMENT I'M HERE TO HELP"

[@rhinox0110]

God Bless and keep you President Reagan.

[@smicksmookety]

Sickening how he sees it as his duty to force you to do with your body what he deems appropriate.

[@stevewesley8187]

Oh , but he knows better than you so it's okay that he controls what you do ! These control freaks will not relinquish their grip once they have POWER !

[@digitalfootballer9032]

It's that type of personality that gets into these positions. The pushy, aggressive, "I know better than you" type, whether they actually know better or not. It's kind of like how more often than not the most pushy salesmen are the most successful financially, not necessarily the smartest, politics is very similar, the most pushy ones get their way into these positions over more passive, reasonable people, and they are the ones making policy for the rest of us.

[@clintonrobinson8070]

Kind of like another product I can think of. It comes in a hypodermic, it's supposed to be safe and effective and here it's forced on you by no jab no job mandates. Hi from New Zealand.

[@Zach-ju5vi]

It really is sickening. If you look at Canadas model they have taxed tobacco products so hard some people can't afford both food and tobacco so they just buy the tobacco.

[@kellyem28]

That is so New York! Ridiculous!

[@hyzerfl1p]

Well done

[@chesshooligan1282]

That doctor is the definition of a do-gooder: someone who decides for other people what's good for them and won't let them have it any other way.

[@MrDwarfpitcher]

Nah man, that is the guy who wants to do good, but does not want the responsibility of choosing for others what to do. He clearly dislikes the Tobacco industry for all the bad products it makes and how it hurts people, he wants to hurt them back. But the doctor does not determine what must be done, politicians do. He just comes up with an idea for more taxes and the politicians say "Yes, fk the poor" and make it happen. Now he probably has to back up his claims as legit, while not taking responsibility. *If* he takes some responsibility, the politicians he fed an idea will have their fall guy. *If* he even insinuates that it was not his best idea, the politicians will have their fall guy. Whatever he does now, he will be unpopular. So, just another doctor thrown into a political circus. Just don't forget that it is the politicians who actually cause the problems.

[@newyorkfan16]

He's part of the corporate globalist cabal known as Big Pharma. So of course he thinks the way that he does. He's probably a lobbyist for Washington D.C. greasing politicians to carve this country among people like him. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if he voted Democrat. Democrats love telling people what to do, while they themselves live lavishly with the taxpayers money, with the excuse of "it's for our own good."

[@darrelllee2107]

This is all about control. I love that John Stossel proclaimed "You're a bully!" LET PEOPLE CHOOSE FOR THEMSELVES. We don't need the government to choose for us.

[@cujoedaman]

You notice the guy didn't even flinch at being called a bully? He probably wears it like a badge.

[@blueduck9409]

I agree

[@I.C.Weiner]

My body my choice?

[@mikemartin6748]

By this logic, everyone who makes laws is a bully! The founding fathers gave us a system of government where we can choose our leaders and choose our laws. If you don't like the laws, just start a campaign, convince your fellow citizens, and change them!

[@Starkraven100]

This doctor is a classic elitest... I know what is good for you. When you use phrases Like "I want to see", "I think this should be", ...he is subconsciously telling he is superior and you should do as he says. Good job Stossel on calling him on it.

[@Alig4realz]

I have been really enjoying Stossel's videos and think he is a very thoughtful guy, but gotta disagree with him on this issue. Libertarianism is about having the freedom to do whatever you want, as long as youre not harming others. 1. In the case of tobacco, smokers are imposing massive costs on the healthcare system which means higher taxes for us non-smokers 2. When you smoke in public, youre second-hand smoke is affecting everyone. My hometown of Manhattan Beach, Ca banned smoking in public a few years ago and it has been a huge improvement.

[@Rodzilla5332]

Amen. Can you believe (of course you can) that I can't order a little piece of glass online and have it shipped to my home because it's part of an e-cigarette? I'm a grown man and I can't be trusted to order a $5 piece of glass. Thanks government.

[@1982MCI]

Is it because it’s being shipped to New York also? Is there anything stopping from it being ordered and delivered to my home and then I send you your home decor order?

[@king6530]

Interesting he didn't mention the insane new e-cig juice regulations putting the largest distributer of juice out of business nor how Tabacoo is taxed at 20% in my state...

[@batmanjones655]

@@1982MCI No. Congress slipped an earmark into the Covid relief bill back in January of 2021 that basically bullied the post office and other post services into banning the shipping of all e-cig/vaping products. It basically created a massive online black market, made vaping extremely unsafe, and hurt thousands of businesses (big and small). And if you live in a small town like myself, it's made it extremely difficult to source parts and juice. Because the stores can't keep the well-known, safe, and trusted brands in stock. I'm forced to try newer brands, of questionable safety. It's made things so difficult and depressing, and I'm only a consumer. I can't imagine what some of these business owners have been through. It's sad. These people still think that prohibition works. They do this crap to "protect the children" (tobacco lobby), and all it ends up doing is hurting the innocent, law abiding citizens. We only want to have the right to make wrong decisions...

[@blake102989]

@@batmanjones655 I have had juice shipped to me here in Indiana since then so they didn’t ban it. They may not allowed shipping in your state but they still will here at least.

[@spencergraham-thille9896]

They want you to smoke real cigarettes instead.

[@MatthewGDunlap]

"We need policies to keep poor people poor" Yep, sounds like NY and CA

[@Kenthis15]

People are surprised more people aren’t angry that someone ultimately admits a tax on vice is exploiting the poor. I’m more surprised people didn’t know before now. Thank God Stossel is reaching people.

[@cujoedaman]

I once watched a guy at a gas station buy $400 worth of cigarettes. Two large paper bag armfuls. He said he couldn't believe how expensive cigarettes were now. That was about ten years ago.

[@K4K96]

When a government official starts talking about their concern for your safety immediately locate your wallet. Weaponizing safety to generate revenue has been the game since the first tax was created.

[@kollumthirteen]

📌

[@bryanutility9609]

15 days to slow the spread

[@larrysingleton2864]

See Drivers Rights. DMV a massive extortion racket. Just like Family Law and Child Support. Ask me why.

[@bryanutility9609]

I support banning smoking indoors and I would also ban seed oils & high fructose corn syrup that cause obesity. I would make Heath education mandatory for children and make obese children a crime of parents. I would ban all public displays of 🏳️‍🌈. No revenue generation in my plan.

[@bryanutility9609]

@@larrysingleton2864 people should have to actually prove they can drive every 5 years. Too many idiots texting & can’t parallel park lmao 😂

[@caster863]

"It deters children from smoking" No it doesn't. Children can just collect coins, use money from allowances, or even steal money. Maybe even steal the cigar from stores.

[@mrjohnnyk]

Children aren't even allowed to buy them.

[@johnglue1744]

Or just steal it.

[@johnglue1744]

@@mrjohnnyk Lol this is very true.

[@SamtheMan0508]

Kids will always find a way.

[@MisterEC1]

Raise the price of cigarettes enough and make a whole new set of ills. If drugs were decriminalized, and regulated, most of the problems would be solved. Do not continue a war that will not be won. Prohibition created the mafia.

[@quinbagwell7515]

Whenever someone tells you they know better for you than you know for yourself. Keep that person away from any power!

[@dcmoore8937]

Why is crime up in these Neighborhoods? If you can’t afford it, then rob someone!

[@ThatOnenessGuy]

You either believe in freedom or you don't. These laws and lawmakers do not believe in freedom. I don't advocate smoking, but I do advocate someone's right to do it.

[@Xykaru]

Does this fool even realize that jacking the price of addictive substances that are heavily consumed in poor communities is just going to make the poor even more poor? This guy is delusional.

[@danielreardon6453]

Gov is exploiting peoples addictions to farm the money out of them

[@jaym9738]

Wisconsin had a law prohibiting selling groceries for less then 6% above cost. Supposedly to keep the "big" guys, who could afford it, from undercutting the "small" guys.

[@filthyanimal874]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@Stargun-vj1uh]

People say "It keeps children away." But doesn't the age restriction to 21, THAT THEY BUMPED UP FROM 18, do that already? Any store owner who doesn't wanna be charged with crimes, will not sell to minors, there are no children buying these. Sure, second hand smoke is a thing, but it is not the biggest issue plaguing children. They are not the ones being effected. I thought this was a free market, where the seller does the price, if not, this is insanity. This isn't a free market, run by the people. It's a free market illusion, dictated by the government.

[@majermike]

fuck yea stargun right on

[@StrappedPete]

👍

[@cadehuff7936]

And last I checked, 18 was an adult...so why these unlawful restrictions that are clearly null and void?

[@septembersurprise5178]

Everybody relax, the government knows best, just ask them they'll tell you.

[@fwingebritson]

It's not a "free market," it's never been a "free market." Nobody but the wealthy, who has been on welfare since the 2008 financial "crisis" would say it's a "free market." Half the companies in the stock market would be dead or sold off long ago if it weren't for the stimmies that kept them propped up. When a business is too big to fail, and when the wealthy do not only loophole themselves out of paying taxes but get help from those paying taxes, we do not have a "free market." People worry about the economy falling, well, it done fell long ago and the tax payer burden has been keeping it on life support rather than just letting them die so that other companies with (hopefully better management) can fill the void.

[@thatguy9088]

Gov: "Smoking is bad for you. We don't like it." Citizen: "Sure. But I want to anyway." Gov: "Fine. But we are going to tax the hell out of it." Government is just making money after deciding what's best for people, personal choice be damned.

[@ronframe387]

It's ALWAYS been about the Money!

[@dustintacohands1107]

add medical costs to state from smoking then ask if they’re making money off cigarettes.

[@timdontwannasay5889]

I like your comment but they tax the hell out of everything! The more popular or mandatory for life the more the tax.

[@someperson8151]

The FDA allowed cigarette companies to sell cigarettes. That was a mistake among many by the FDA. If you have the money to pay off the individual leaders of the FDA, you can kill as many people as you want.

[@chaosgyro]

Government needs us to skip cigarettes so they can send us to die in their pointless wars instead.

[@davidfenererer8774]

Great videos as always!

[@MrMatt747]

13 US dollars a packet! What a bargain! The price in Australia for the same pack 35 to 45 US Dollars a pack.

[@RobPento]

When we abdicated to government moral judgement outside direct personal harm by another person, all this is expected. And again, even Atlas Shrugs. 🙄

[@johngalt97]

Reality is scary…

[@btsnake]

I need people who say stupid things like "all laws legislate morality" to be the only ones who live under them

[@boyce1204]

When did government get the authority to set pricing for products and services. Tyranny!

[@Misaka-gt5yj]

When you allowed the architect of the asset forfeiture program to sit in office.... or like that time in 1982 and beyond where more power was given to the state by the state. Enjoy the consequences of voting for a big overreaching government.

[@arepadetrigo]

Communism=tyranny. The State decides what the market does.

[@josephpadula2283]

During the New Deal federal government set prices. Outlawed marijuanna. Basically outlawed machine guns, silencers, short barreled guns by taxing them 200 dollars when cost at the time was 5-175 dollars for those products. Prosecuted farmers for using own crops to feed own livestock.!!! It was the start of socialism by people like the professor who know better than you peasant!!

[@saltysteel3996]

Everything should be personal choice. Stop government tyrannical overreach. Regulations are mostly bad.

[@kaminakiske9313]

Oh my…they care so much! And how dare you try to make your own decisions.

[@FilamentFriday]

1:51 - “People are still figuring out ways to afford it”. So what’s the point?!

[@andya2665]

It's called collecting sales taxes.

[@Neo762Productions]

Exactly. Where are they pulling the money from? Food? Childcare? Education? Rent? These policies may have the thin veneer of "protecting the poor from themselves" but ultimately keep the poor from climbing up the social ladder by saving for their own or their children's futures.

[@joeschmoe76]

It's government revenue. That's it.

[@iamkesha.]

@@Neo762Productions Don’t forget crime happens so people can steal people’s properties to resell so they can buy these types of things.

[@gextreme2381]

Lining someone else's pockets.

[@kareng4294]

LOVE that you called him a bully!

[@coltkienitz4296]

That's crazy

[@massspecguy8538]

Here in Pennsylvania there are minimum prices on MILK !!

[@theondono]

Taxes hurt me, when will the state begin to limit those!

[@IvebeenEverywhere]

Red Tape at its finest!

[@fhd89234n8f43n7]

2:20 “ sounds like you are.“ 😆

[@theancientsam]

"you're a bully" Not all heroes wear capes.

[@tedrankin682]

You forgot 'ba da da, tish'

[@RVBMichaelJCaboose]

My dad was a victim of smoking, dying from a lung tumor that developed from his years of smoking. I’ve no desire to repeat that mistake and i’d see to it that my future children don’t either, but it’s not my place to limit someone else’s ability to smoke if they want to.

[@daveray5655]

You would seriously allow someone else's dad to die from cancer because you thought their addiction to drugs was a choice? I'd rather take measures to ensure that other people's dad's stay alive.

[@glynnetolar4423]

@@daveray5655 pro nanny state, I see.

[@daveray5655]

@@glynnetolar4423 more like let's keep drugs out of people's hands and punish big corporations for getting people addicted and killed to their products which have zero health benefits.

[@TotlKaos]

Grandparents smoked 2 packs of unfiltered a day. What killed them? A car accident with my grandfather at 85 and my grandmother died at 90 getting a colonoscopy... Only one way out of this life and that is death.. whether cancer or something else.. no one gets out alive.

[@francisdhomer5910]

Cancer did not scare me that much, (Despite the fact that I'm in the middle of fighting it for the second time) What scared me more than cancer is COPD. It's a lingering death. As a medic I picked up many COPD pt, and watching them struggle to take one breath scares you. And you can live for years with it. If you want to call it living. You basically do nothing. You are out of breath just going to the bathroom. Having to sit up to sleep because you can't breath. Kissing is out, a quick peck on the lips is it. As a medic I pick you up, give you additional oxygen, stick needles in you give your medication start a breathing treatment. I may even hook you up to a C-pap machine. And if I give you to much oxygen for too long you stop breathing and I have to intubate you, which means days in the hospital being weaned off the ventilator. Yes I've said all this true stuff to scare you or at least others that smoke. But this can and will happened to you if you end up being a long term smoker. Sorry about your dad, cancer sucks too.

[@WowRixter]

Thank you John for calling out the BS

[@tsadkiel2008]

I had a business partner back in the early 2000's, that would buy cigs from another state, take them to New York and the profit margin was substantial.

[@HVACSoldier]

WAIT!?! Cigarettes are the most lethal products? The Democratic Party told me it was guns.

[@retrofraction]

As a person that doesn’t smoke I find this highly disturbing on many levels. This is a gross misuse of the market, as it only increases the barrier to do business… and keep middle to lower class citizens with less opportunities and higher overall prices from their historically low overall purchasing power. Second , making an item more scarce due to artificially increased prices will only raise demand. Third by making smoking expensive it will make it a luxury that upper class is able to do and make everyone not up class envious and want to do it. Since money = speech If Tobacco cost more it must be important? Right? At the end of the day, regardless of the logic for doing so, these kinds of practices raise costs for people who already struggle and rich people wealthy.

[@SavedByFaithInJesus]

I quite smoking at $3.25 for reds. goberment is a vampire.

[@dustintacohands1107]

@@SavedByFaithInJesus I’ve never seen anyone quit due to price. Was the really the determining factor to quitting??

[@TotlKaos]

All it does is make it more attractive to the black market.. it's big in NYC selling loosies (individual items).

[@cookiemonster208]

Very good points. What they have done now is turn smoking into an aspirational thing.

[@justinmc415]

@@dustintacohands1107 I quit directly because of price. Don't confuse that with me endorsing these politicians though because I don't.

[@whateverman4945]

John must have loved that last statement " people have the right to do the wrong thing"

[@carsonrush3352]

That's a vague and loaded comment. What did you mean?

[@whateverman4945]

@@carsonrush3352 in a word - Freedom

[@btsnake]

I've always said, some decisions are stupid, but this is America and we have the right to be stupid here if we want to. And while some may think I'm saying this country is a haven for dumb people, that is a right vital to every single person who lives

[@shirleyjust3305]

You must mean people should have the right, but the the people do not have the right its written in our laws

[@handynothandsome261]

*Nowhere in the Constitution is government at any level given authority to prevent citizens from purchasing legal products, or infringing on our rights by effectively taxing it into unaffordability.* *This abuse of authority is unconscionable and illegal and is therefore null & not valid.*

[@gtbarsi1103]

NYC is so corrupt that their code departments are constantly changing regulations to they can continue to fine the hell out of all NYC businesses. Even when you take the time to keep up on the regulations and follow them you will still be fined and appealing a fine was hard before covid, and over the last two years has become insane. If you do appeal it is the same department that is funded by the fines that gets to decide if you are guilty and as such are now going to have to pay an additional fine to them for the failed appeal. This is all on top of the money they generate licensing businesses. Everything down to the receipts you issue is regulated, so I wish all small businesses good luck operating in NYC, you are going to need it. If you want some detailed examples check out Lewis Rossmann he has documented several interactions with NYC code enforcement.

[@cameraredeye3115]

NYC can go to hell for all I care...

[@Akihito007]

Or just burn the city to the ground like Sodom.

[@joshuagarner1654]

They only get away with it because you let them

[@LisaBowers]

One minor correction, it's Louis Rossmann. His videos are fantastic! (I'm sure Mr Clinton, the cat, would send you a basket of Greenies in thanks for your recommendation... that is if he hasn't eaten them all yet. 🐈‍⬛)

[@tedrankin682]

Big time money grab.

[@D-Fens_1632]

Stossel really doesn't get enough credit for being one of the most logical, rational, legitimate spokesman for the libertarian/conservative movement. He's convinced me on some issues in a matter of minutes. Plus, I just fuckin love a guy who keeps it full Selleck for decades. Long live the Stoss.

[@J8n3eyr3]

During Covid, two new tobacco and vape shops opened - joining an established outlet - within a six mile radius locally. Cigarettes were *already widely available* at any grocery or convenience store.

[@31186dan]

Govt needs to be smaller and less powerful.

[@joshuad1716]

No wonder robbery and theft is so common in NY, I would love to see how much higher crime rates are because of more expensive floor prices

[@j.joseph5353]

There is likely little to no direct effect. There are illegal cigarettes being sold all over the city in poorer neighborhoods and there have been for decades.

[@btsnake]

Remember the original "I can't breathe" guy, Eric Garner, from like 2015 or so? They say he was getting arrested for selling loose cigarettes on the street when he died. So these laws have directly led to the death of at least one person.

[@btsnake]

@Maester Gryphon it's more like they support making sales of cigarettes as illegal as possible, and I guess it's only "funny" in light of this tragedy where the two issues seem to meet

[@btsnake]

@Maester Gryphon no I couldn't agree more, I was saying the same thing you were. I don't know if either of us said it very clearly but we're on the same page. I do like the police but I don't want them to have unlimited power or anything close to that either

[@SpynCycle57]

"It deters children from smoking" Children aren't allowed to legally buy them at any price.

[@dmdixon7256]

When government gets power it then only wants more power! Power is the drug of choice for government! With power comes control!

[@stevekirkpatrick1612]

I'm not a smoker myself, but I absolutely hate that some people on the other side of a state can tell business owners smoking isn't allowed inside. If the owner of the bar is a smoker, tough luck, state law says you have to go down the street before you can light up.

[@BobBrittonBespoke]

I''m so sick of the argument ' It's for public safety or health.. ' B.S.! We're free people and we need to fight this kind of nonsense.

[@MrCovi2955]

1:25 "We see much higher smoking rates among poor people, so we need policies to reduce tobacco use among poor people." Any time a rich bureaucrat says that he wants to tax the poor to change their behavior you know he's either trying to keep them poor, or think's they're not smart enough to make decisions for themselves. In other words, you know they're an elitist.

[@blueduck9409]

They can not collect taxes from dead poor people. They trying to keep their money makers alive.

[@alsentman9390]

Thanks

[@JohnGetchel]

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.” C.S. Lewis

[@shnook8484]

Literally every tyrant on earth: "We just want what's *best* for everyone.."

[@droptozro]

The best of intentions...

[@daveray5655]

So tobacco is actually good for you know?

[@mrjohnnyk]

Everything Adolf did was his concept of "best for everyone"

[@perezm714]

It's not about preventing people from buying to help their health.. it's about the higher TAX on the cost to line the corrupt government pockets.

[@progresspotato]

How do you know the additional tax revenue gained from these policies are used to line the pockets of government officials?

[@perezm714]

@@progresspotato government officials don't appear to be losing money.

[@perezm714]

@@progresspotato here's one example

[@andrewe.7907]

Give an inch, take a mile. They are never happy no matter what. They keep taking.

[@dyingbreed1282]

The government looking out for you… Absolute criminals.

[@waynejohnson1786]

“This policy has been very seriously considered in multiple jurisdictions in California” And he thinks that’s a good argument lol

[@cujoedaman]

What I find ironic is it's usually California that comes up with bullshit like this.

[@ValThracian]

@@cujoedaman *No spill gas can flashbacks*

[@rhinox0110]

Commiefornia...Stay strong brothers and sisters on the west coast, the reckoning will come and your freedoms will be restored.

[@wayneparke554]

We need more actual journalists like this.

[@montyferguson4657]

This isn't about smoking or health, but instead, big business lobbying so they can snuff out competition.

[@tomasgomez9925]

1:12 PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!

[@Annie-lu5rt]

Love John Stossel. He's a truth telling national treasure.