[Let's see, in a little over 30 years, they have increased the price of cigarettes 50 times. I paid a dollar a carton for them in the early 1970's in the military. Has any product inflated in price to that degree, in the last 30 years. Doubtful.]

"Former military officer mad over cigarette costs on base"

"Traditionally, military exchange stores on post or on base are known for offering deals to our service men and women.

At the commissary, for instance, there's no sales tax.

Items are sold "at cost" with a surcharge.

But one former military officer says he's fed up with what he calls a huge hike in the cost of cigarettes.

Retired Air Force Lt. Colonel Tom Sander is fuming over what he calls outrageous cigarette prices at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

"Seems like right now it's en vogue to pick on smokers," Sander told News 4.

Sander shops on base at the commissary where he buys groceries and cigarettes.

A couple weeks ago he says he couldn't believe the numbers on his receipt.

"On the 6th of January, I paid $42.67 a carton and then when I went back there two months later in March the price had gone up to $49.54, for the same carton. Almost a seven dollar increase," he explained.

Most military exchanges sell products at cost. But at $49.54, that's more than some civilian convenience stores charge.

Sander says if everything at the commissary isn't going to be at cost, customers need to know.

He believes the increase was based solely on the passing of Proposition 201 and 203 last November, which raised the price of cigarettes.

"You're basing federal pricing policies on state decisions which are totally unrelated," he says.

The agency that runs commissaries around the country released this statement:

"In November 2000, the Department of Defense established a pricing directive that set prices not more than 5% below the lowest local competitor. The directive also mandates that exchanges cannot sell cigarettes below the manufacturers' cost prices."

Sander says while the policy makers may not want people smoking, this is a free country.

"This is America. As long as it's legal to smoke, that's our right to do that and accordingly- we should be treated with equality. We shouldn't be picked on as a minority group."

Sander says he has already contacted United States Senators John McCain and Jon Kyll, and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords about this issue."

KVOA TUCSON

YEAH! GOOD ONE! An ally with some, no matter how small or large, clout. He's a respected person of authority getting the word out-that's what matters.

quote:

Sander says he has already contacted United States Senators John McCain and Jon Kyll, and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords about this issue."

Good luck with McCain - he's an ASHole, among other things...