Simply ridiculous

Considering all the homicides, gang wars and illegal immigrant issues law enforcement needs to address, I suppose we should be grateful they find time for the important things:

Starting today, state Department of Revenue agents will begin stopping Tennessee motorists spotted buying large quantities of cigarettes in border states, then charging them with a crime and, in some cases, seizing their cars.

Under state law, bringing more than two cartons of cigarettes into the state without paying Tennessee taxes is a “Class B” misdemeanor, carrying punishment of up to six months in jail and/or a $500 fine. Bringing 25 or more cartons is a “Class E” felony, with minimum penalty of one year in prison and a maximum of six years plus a fine of up to $3,000.

In addition, the specific state statute dealing with untaxed cigarettes provides that vehicles used to transport more than two cartons “are considered contraband and are subject to seizure,” says a Department of Revenue statement.

Farr said that agents have been instructed to seize any vehicle carrying more than 25 cartons of cigarettes without Tennessee tax stamps. ((didn't we tell the original King George to take his stamps and, well, you know... Jemison)) In cases where three to 24 cartons are involved, he said vehicle seizure is “at the officer’s discretion.” ((Assuming they have any... Jemison))

For the record: I do not smoke, and have never tried even one cigarette. I find the habit disgusting and difficult to be around. Until now I've been ambivalent about states raising the taxes sky high on tobacco. But when people do the natural thing under a free market--cross a state border to find a better price--and risk having their car stolen by the state as a result, things have gone WAY past ridiculous. This is probably an inevitable outgrowth of the war on drugs, which will soon grow to become the war on fast food, sugary snacks and soft drinks. It's only the application of taxes and force for your own good.

Besides, those ever-increasing numbers of Gestapo SWAT teams have to have something to do: "Freeze!" ((cocks assault rifle)) "Put down the Cinnabons and step away from the car... no, leave the keys in it for us..."