(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

[silentjack.livejournal.com]

What, the tax on a pack of cigarettes in Texas -- over a dollar a pack, one of the highest in the nation -- just isn't enough?

I agree that "sin" shouldn't be taxed -- any more than it already is. Last I checked, the tax on a six-pack of beer is far less than the cost of a lottery ticket.¹.

I'll add to your list the following:
* Entertainment tax. That is, anyone who can afford to buy a two-thousand dollar plasma TV should be willing and able (presumably) to pay a three per cent surcharge beyond the sales tax.
* Since Texas doesn't have an income tax, how about implementing one for those making over $125,000 a year?
* Allow domestic horticulture of marijuana, make those growing it file as a registered grower and seller, and every quarter, have them report their earnings and submit twenty per cent of their profits. (Yeah, this one has some flaws)
* Brand-name tax. My guess is that the Trustafarians and otherwise nouveau-riche folks who buy from American Beagle or Suburban Cloutfitters on a monthly basis won't notice a five per cent surcharge over the sales tax.
* Tax PETA for bringing radical activism a bad name and just for being general wanks. NPO my ass.
* Tax Guilty White Liberals for being Guilty White Liberals.
* Tax right-wing zealots for being right-wing zealots.
* Cull the death penalty (bound to save Texas, a state enamoured with human barbecue, upwards of 500 million bucks in court costs a year).
* Hire some mafiosa folks to chase down really bad cover bands and say, "Gimme your lunch money or I breaks your legs."

And so on.

1: I have a conundrum-like problem with the lottery as it is. It does provide revenue, yes, but it is a somewhat regressive non-tax "tax" shouldered by the lower class and blue-collar class. For what some people buy in lottery tickets they could easily catch up on bills and put toward mortgages or liens. But I digress.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

BWahaha! You want to be my new Minister of Taxation when I take over the country? I like your ideas. :D

[silentjack.livejournal.com]

I'd be much obliged to be Minister of Sinister Funding. Or Cultural Attaché to Brazil.

I forgot a tax idea that would rake in millions:
The Judeo-Christian Guilt Jar. If someone self-identifies as a practicing American Catholic or a Reform Jew, they must keep a mason jar around at all times, and each time they have a thought of self-guilt, a pang of self-deprecation, or any sort of guilty thoughts along the lines the catholics and others are so good at instilling in their young, they place a nickel in the jar.

Basically, you'd get several thousand dollars a day. And just think about the slush fund that could be established!