Cigarette Taxes

Governor Jim Doyle wants to raise cigarette taxes. This doesn't affect me because I have never smoked and don't intend on smoking in the future. The reason for this is because raising the taxes on cigarettes will get more tax money for the state of Wisconsin to help the economy. This seems like a good idea to many not smokers but it also has its flaws.

Cigarettes are inelastic products. This means that the price of cigarettes can change, but the same amount of cigarettes will be purchased. This is because many people are addicted to cigarettes and must buy the same amount consistently regardless of the price. This is why it seems like a good idea to raise the tax on cigarettes. It will bring in more tax dollars to the state of Wisconsin while also encouraging smokers to quit.

The concern that I have is that cigarettes might not be as inelastic as Doyle thinks. I do agree that people are still going to be purchasing the same amount of cigarettes, but these people might not be purchasing cigarettes from Wisconsin. For example, neighboring states will be selling cigarettes cheaper. Also, tons of money can be saved if cigarettes are purchased online. New York previously tried raising the cigarette taxes and they actually saw a decrease in tax money coming from cigarette purchases in the long run. This is because people could save nearly $20 a carton in neighboring states and almost $40 a carton online.

Raising the cigarette taxes in Wisconsin seems like a good idea but this may not be the case. Many smokers are addicted and will continue to smoke the same amount regardless of the price, but the state of Wisconsin can't forget that raising taxes may encourage smokers to find other sources. Governor Jim Doyle must be careful before he raises the taxes on cigarettes too high.

Summer

Many people look at summer as a time where students are lazy, but having a summer vacation can actually be helpful to motivate students. Also, summer gives young people the opportunity to go out and do things that they will never be able to do in the rest of their lives. Summer can be seen as a long and unnecessary vacation but I believe that it is a crucial break for the students.

Summer vacation is what all students look forward to during the school year. If there was no break during the summer, students would see school as a never ending battle. Once a student falls behind in a school system with out summer vacation, it would be very difficult to catch back up. Summer gives everyone a fresh start as the new year comes. Also it motivates students to work hard, knowing there is only a short time before they are done.

Summer is more than just a motivator. I believe that a summer vacation is crucial for experience purposes. A long break gives students the opportunity to explore places and ideas that the busy school year didn't allow for. During summer vacation, students can do things that they will never have the opportunity to do again.

When the school work is at its toughest, summer vacation motivates students to keep working hard. Also, this vacation allows students to experience the world. There are those who think summer is a lazy break, but it is actually very important.

Meal Options

I feel that Concordia University of Wisconsin has a great meal plan. There are very few complaints about meal plan options and the food isn't too bad either. Also, Concordia has three different locations on campus in which meal swipes can be used. The problem is that there is no consistency between these three locations.

It is nice to be able to use a meal swipe at all food locations of Concordia. Unfortunately, these locations are extremely inconsistent with the food given for each swipe. For example, a student can use a swipe in the cafeteria. Here there is a main line that often serves some form of meat or pasta, vegetables, bread, and potatoes. There is also the option of fries and pizza. Don't forget about the mongolian wok section. Then there is the sandwich line with meats, cheeses, and vegetables on either a sandwich, pita or wrap. Also, there is "flash in the pan" where students can design their own pasta/noodle entre. Next, you can head over to the nacho bar, or fruit and salad bar. Just about any beverage from milk, to juice, to soda, to coffee is also served in the cafeteria. Finally, there are deserts and soft serve icecream. Once a student swipes in, they can eat as much of this as they want, for as long as they want.

All of that sounds like a great deal. All you can eat for just one meal swipe. Another location for food on campus is the "Falcon's nest." Here students can use meal swipes as if they are at a fast food joint to get something like a burger, popcorn chicken, grilled cheese, or a burrito. This also comes with a side and a drink. The problem here is that students don't really have a wide variety of drinks. They are forced to get some sort of unhealthy soft drink. The last option for food on campus is the BBC (Books, Bagels, and Coffee). Hear is where the meal swipe really loses its consistency. For one meal swipe, a student can get one item from the bakery and a small drink. How does a cookie and 12 ounces of milk compare to "all you can eat" at the cafeteria?

Concordia does have a great variety for students to choose from when it comes to meals, but these meals are inconsistent. It is extremely beneficial for students to get more for their money in the cafeteria, but this isn't always easy. It would be nice if the BBC offered a "meal size" portion for a meal swipe. Also, the "Falcon's Nest" shouldn't force students to choose a soda or a sugary lemonade as a drink with a meal. Wider and healthier options must be considered for meals at CUW.