Puffs vs. Popcorn in Mississippi

December 03, 2006 12:27 pm

— I first thought the theme of the letter (“High popcorn prices,” by Ms. Susan Oglesby Nov. 30) was not worthy of ink. However, as I read the letter the more my mind changed.
It was so nice of Ms. Oglesby to attend the movie with her sister and her grandkids. Obvious that Ms. Oglesby manifest compassion for others as she was concerned about the high cost of movie popcorn.
As I think about the $4.25 cost of popcorn and many parents who couldn’t afford the treat, I wonder what about the cheap cost of cigarettes in Mississippi? (A quick long distance call to a Meridian food mart to learn Marlboro Lights are $2.85 plus tax)
Wouldn’t it be nice if toxic puffing sticks cost more than delicious movie popcorn in Meridian and the world. Hope your state government brings back the Food Swap Bill.
Mississippi ranks number two with the lowest tax on a pack of cigs. (Reference at: http://www.taxadmin.org/FTA/rate/cigarett.html )
It is proven that the higher the cost a pack of cigarettes the less will be bought.
Plus popcorn smells and taste great, not like stinking toxic secondhand smoke that will kill you.

Mike Sawyer
Master of Divinity
Executive Director
I Will Never Use Tobacco, Inc.
Birmingham, Ala.