Written by Mark   

Imagine going to a cigar shop and being treated as if you are renting an adult film.

That's exactly what the United States Food and Drug Administration is proposing to do.

Under proposed new rules for cigar shops in the United States, you'd no longer be able to walk into a tobacconist and select cigars you would like to purchase. Instead, the law would require you go to an employee of the store who would guide you through a catalog, that could not have photographs of the cigars you might potentially order.

Making matters worse, cigars lounges would not be permitted for their guests to actually smoke cigars. It'd be like a tavern without beer and would effectively kill the cigar industry in the United States.

Other proposed regulations include the abolishment of cigars for sale online, like at retailers such as CigarsCity.com. Additionally, the government is proposing a mandate that would require cigar manufacturers to submit their blends to the FDA for testing before they could be sold in the United States.

The proposal would increase the price you and I both pay for cigars, never mind the intrusion on our rights and freedom as Americans.

There is some hope, there are a pair of bills in the house and senate that would make premium cigars exempt from FDA regulation. These bi-partisan efforts, House Resolution 792 and Senate Bill 772 deserve our support as Americans if we value our freedom.

After all, if cigars are subject to such ridiculous regulation what vice of yours might be next? The soda tax, fatty foods tax, taco tariff --- they may all be within reach for a government that's hungry to restrict what you can do with your life.