(no subject)

[threeplusfire]

I don't believe in sin taxes. It's discriminatory, and it's bullshit. Why on earth do we allow subjective moral stances on things that are perfectly legal, such as strip clubs and cigarettes? Why not tax the vegans for not supporting our nation's beef industry? I want a five dollar surcharge on every hippie who steps outside reeking of marijuana, patchouli and a week's worth of unwashed stench. How about a special tax on all cars that earn less than 18 miles per gallon, or trucks that are too big to fit in the parking spaces at the grocery store? Can we tax the stupid just for being stupid? How about a tax on all people who have annoying little dogs?

Or maybe we could empty Governor Good Hair's bank account and solve some of the budget woes. I shouldn't read about local politics so early in the day.

Comments

[puella.livejournal.com]

On one hand I agree with you- it is obviously very arbitrary what "sins" are going to be taxed.
BUT I think it can be a good thing in the kind of taking from the rich giving to the poor kind of way, except its more like taking from the unnecesary giving to the necesary. We NEED quality public education as a public service, but we do not need cheap strip clubs. It seems clear to me that putting more money into the first will better society as a whole.
But yeah, there are a hell of a lot of things I would like to put a sin tax on as well. My boyfriend and I always point out the HUGE-ASS cars that park int the "small car only" spots, leaving no room for the small cars to squeeze in. I might like to start there. :P

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

One of my problem is, should we rely on the strip clubs to pay those taxes and be honest about it? Should we depend on the people who patronize them? If we're going to put a tax on one kind of bar, why not all bars?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big fan of strip clubs either. I think they would be an unreliable source of funding.

Tax the giant cars! Tax people who can't drive those giant cars! And then tax them while they talk on their phones and drive! ;)

[feckalyn.livejournal.com]

I'm on the fence to an extent myself.

It seems like so many sin taxes are directed at the poor and addicted, as another commenter pointed out. Should cigarettes be unreasonably expensive to help pay for the health care that smokers may later need in life? I don't know. What I do know is that if you're truly addicted to them you will pay whatever price you need to in order get them. Sometimes to the detriment of the other things in your life that you need. Which, might, in turn, negatively effect your health and make you more susceptible to the potential long term negative health sequelae of smoking.

And how often are the funds that are collected from the sin taxes on cigarettes actually used for health care for now disabled/dying smokers? I know a lot of states, who when faced with their recent budget downfalls, broke into their tobacco settlement monies faster than you could say, "Just say no!".

Ugh. I think I'll be joining Tsarina in bed, head firmly under covers, now.