Give me an excuse, any excuse to raise taxes. All I need is the slightest rationalization and I will propose a tax. That is the extent of the wisdom of elected officials at all levels of government. They are broke and like a cornered, wounded animal, will do anything to survive. Anything, that is, except recognize that government is not sustainable at these bloated levels and needs to be reduced dramatically.
Here is the latest wisdom: “Growing concerns about the dangers of indoor tanning beds are leading to new taxes — and possibly new restrictions — designed to curb the practice among young people.” (USA Today, Monday)
What does not provide an excuse for raising taxes?
Driving kills, so increase taxes on “excessive driving.” Eating kills, so increase taxes on “excessive calories.” Having babies sometimes kills and always raises medical costs, so let’s tax pregnant mothers. Playing football increases the risk of death and injury, so let’s tax high school football players (or their parents). Crossing the street raises your chance of injury — tax it! Exhaling increases CO2, so tax breathing. Exercising causes heavier breathing, so tax it even more. Living healthy increases Social Security payouts so tax it. Education includes risks that staying at home would not, tax parents to reflect the risks.
Hopefully we have reached the nadir this madness. Collectivism, the notion that you are owned by the State and your life is to be lived as it sees fit, must end now.
How long will it be before the American people say “enough” to the boobs in office? Will we ever return once again to sanity?
Probably not until the government and the economy completely collapses and we have to rebuild from the foundation up.