Up In Smoke? part 2

I spent a couple of hours on the phone today talking to retailers, Tobacconists (both Certified & Not), and some high profile industry fellows. It was both enlightening and invigorating. This new federal tobacco tax ambush has rallied the industry in an unprecedented way. For the first time ever, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can all get on one page. This is a fight for our survival and no one can disagree with that.

My hope is that professional Tobacconists will unite under the umbrella of our shared profession. While manufacturers and distributors must lead the fight against the draconian tax laws and repression, Tobacconists are the backbone and infantry of this business. Tobacconists are the public face of the luxury tobacco industry and we must be ready and willing to project our credibility. We are honorable professionals selling exquisite luxury products which enhance the value and quality of human life. We are honorable professionals selling exquisite luxury products which enhance the value and quality of human life. (Yes I wrote that twice.) Keep saying it and maybe it will start to sink in.

I think that this is just the beginning of the long road back to the America I love and cherish. You can only kick a puppy so many times before it fights back. Perhaps we have hit our breaking point.