So, letter writer Patrick Donoho, president of the Maryland Retailers Association, is worried that hard-working Marylanders won't be able to afford cigarettes if there is a tax increase ("Hike in cigarette tax threatens Md. Retailers," July 17)?

This is actually a good thing as maybe it will be an incentive for Marylanders who can't afford cancer sticks to give them up — not just for their own health but for the sake of those around them too.

And if convenience stores can only make their living off a substance that causes cancer, then it's time for them to either think of better ways to make money or to close up shop.

Joseph Kortash, Catonsville