Tobacco Plays Large Role in North Carolina Economy

Source from:  blog.news-record.com November 3, 2008  11/04/2008

Regarding David Sims' letter (Oct. 19) on outlawing cigarette sales and manufacturing in this state: I think he fails to realize the importance of tobacco in the North Carolina economy. Many of the tobacco farmers in this state are following in a tradition, meaning that their fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, etc., all grew tobacco. Tobacco is allowing these farmers to pay their mortgages, put food on the table and clothes on the backs of their families — not to mention all of the jobs that would be lost at the plants if cigarettes were outlawed. I hope that, if North Carolina did decide to follow Sims' suggestion, he would be willing to pay the mortgages, and feed and clothe the families that would be affected. Oh, and while we're at it, how about we outlaw alcohol and return to Prohibition? Let's put as many people out of work that we can! Great idea. Enditem