The federal government is again looking to increase revenues to fight the mushrooming deficit and will be able to implement practically any tool they feel necessary because Americans are disgustingly ignorant of the budget’s importance.

This time, in the merry attempt at innovative bookkeeping and increasing or finding money-making avenues without uttering the “T” word, sin taxes are being eyed.

Increases on cigarette and beer taxes could add another 16 cents to a pack of smokes and $4 to a case of brew. The result, legislators predict, would help reduce the budget deficit $50 billion next year and $500 billion through 19905.

Sin taxes are extremely profitable for the government. The tax will not disuade many drinkers or smokers from buying their favorite vice.

And that’s why the government looks toward them so often. It literally is money in the bank.

But they get away with it because Americans don’t understand the fallout caused by the crisis. Although some economists believe it is healthy for government to operate at least partly in the red, the budget beast is capable of spiraling America into a catastrophe.

Sin taxes are bandages. They get more revenue in now to appease the public while officials still search for true ways to cut the deficit.

America has to stop being appeased before it’s too late.