Regarding the redistribution of your income...

"Settlement money from the historic 1990s tobacco lawsuit isn't exactly being used for its intended purpose—tobacco-prevention and cessation programs. Tobacco companies were extorted out of $246 billion over 25 years to be divided among the states and DC for these helpful little programs. However, in the last five years, only five percent of the $41 billion received thus far has been spent on fighting the 'epidemic.' Some of the more outrageous expenditures include Michigan's providing $2,500 scholarships for college students; North Dakota's spending on water resources and flood-control projects; and New York's buying golf carts and an irrigation and sprinkler system for a public golf course in Niagara County. The 'redistribution' award, however, goes to North Carolina for giving 75 percent of its settlement money to tobacco growers."

Source:FederalPat
(Emphasis mine - H.H.)

It appears the tobacco settlement was, as many suspected, a scam; just another way to line the pockets of trial lawyers; and another way for states to waist money on to raise money for various social programs that we cannot live without.