By Jeff Harding
I just got this story off of the Mises blog and I thought I would add my own epitaph to the closing of the Hav-a-Tampa cigar factory in Tampa. They have been in business since 1901. 500 jobs are lost.
The report from the Tampa Tribune says sales have been off because of anti-smoking rules, but that the last straw was the raise in the cigar tax from 5¢ to 40¢. They are moving to a facility in Puerto Rico.
When I was experimenting with smoking in my long ago youth, it was the Hav-a-Tampa with the wooden tip that caught my attention. It was light and smooth and tasted good. I thought I was cool (I wasn’t). I experimented with cigars for some years afterward, wandering in and out of the Dunhill humidor in San Francisco to feel and smell (but not smoke) Cuban cigars stored in their lockers from pre-emabrgo days. I would puff away there on some Dominican smoke in my 3-piece Brooks Bros. (one and only) suit and assume the role of the Mr. Monopoly that I aspired to be.
I don’t smoke and never took up cigars seriously. It was a phase. But if I want to smoke again, why the hell not? What? What? You say it will make me ill and that I’ll be a burden on the taxpayers because you all will be paying for my medical bills? What a concept! Since you’re paying for it, why the hell not, indeed.
I say why the hell not, as well, though I try not to make it a habit to smoke cigars. But next time you visit Portland, we’ll have a grand ol’ “why the hell not” time together, even if it’s only smelling their aroma.
¿Quien es muy macho?
I heartily endorse cigar smoking. It’s a wonderful way to relax. I’m a woman, too!
Joanbob:
I think at some point along the line we gave women their liberty? Correct me if I’m wrong. I think I’ll relax now. Join me?
I think the Gvernment went to the extreme to prohibit smoking in public places, they did not think in the importance of tobacco industry.
[...] is certainly a popular spot and one of the few places that you can kick back with your Have-A-Tampa. It makes sense that they want to expand their operations, assuming we’re reading these [...]