By a margin of 60-40%, Oregon voters rejected a state constitutional amendment that would have imposed an additional tax on cigarettes. The tax revenues would have been used ostensibly on behalf of children's health. Perhaps Oregonians have figured out what many others have: that any measure designed "to protect the children" is but a pretext for increased state intrusion - and at great expense - into people's lives.

Supporters of this measure - which would have raised cigarette taxes to $2.02 per pack - blamed the defeat on tobacco company opposition. After the 2008 elections, the pro-tax crowd expects an increased number of Democrats in the legislature, and will return with a new approach to getting the tax increase. But when 60% of the voters firmly rejected the measure, upon what basis can a Democratic-controlled legislature make any pretense of being "democrats"? Their easy answer, of course, is to assume that the voters are too dumb to resist tobacco company advertising, but wise enough to elect Democrats who can circumvent a popular will that has become possessed by industry-demons.

How often do we see this trait amongst those who profess great love for democracy? It's a system they'll embrace, as long as the boobs vote the way their self-proclaimed leaders want. Until then, "strong leadership" is called for, particularly when it is "for the children."