Maryland wants to add $0.10 tax on gas

[Bluerauder]

Yep, the State of Maryland wants to add 10 cents to the price of a gallon of gas in "The Free State". I guess they figure with the rate gas is climbing this week, no one would notice anyhow.

This is the same state that just added the 10 cents per drink tax on beer, wine and liquour. That adds $2.40 on a case and $0.60 on a sixpack. Not sure how they calculate it on booze (how many shots in a fifth??) and wine. ;)

I think they are working really hard this week to come up with a way to work in a SEX tax. However, the meter that is being proposed is a little uncomfortable. :P

Based on the above ^^^^^^^^ there is little to NO CHANCE that I will EVER go back to Maryland. Less than a "Snowball's Chance in H3LL" rings a bell.

[DEFYANT]

Simple, tax condoms! Sex tat engaged. Gunna have to off set the loss due to hybrid vehicles not buying as much fuel.

[Bluerauder]

Simple, tax condoms! Sex tat engaged. Gunna have to off set the loss due to hybrid vehicles not buying as much fuel.

When they start taxing SEX, I will finally be eligible for a refund. :rofl: Maybe even a credit. :o

[SC Cheesehead]

When they start taxing SEX, I will finally be eligible for a refund. :rofl: Maybe even a credit. :o

You too? ;)

[F8LBITEva]

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m596/rePETEskeet/gifs%20or%20gtfo/94c8cba3204c05a68304e7a7c1fb.g if

[MyTMerc]

Oh boy, you leave for a while and the old guys want a viagra tax credit. I've got to check in more often.

You guys in VA still taxing the heck out your cars?

[ctrlraven]

The drink tax is in Baltimore, they tax alcohol per serving like with a bottle of bourbon they looking at how many shot servings are in the bottle and tax per single shot.

These gas prices are retarded. They could charge $1.50-2.00 and still make plenty of profit.

[05crownsport]

Yes, our governer and his cronies are clueless about how to run the state without being in debt. They love to tax EVERYTHING! Sounds like we need to dump something in the harbor .... they wouldn't notice. Look! A turd in the harbor, how quaint! Just like when martin o salley was mayor of baltimore city.

[rayjay]

Hey, welcome to the Peoples Republic of New York! Next up a peter tax...

[MyTMerc]

$72 to fill the Lightning, $60+ to fill the Marauder this week. That's a bunch a money each month. Haven't driven the Vette this winter. This weekly gas bill has me out looking for 35mpg + daily driver. It's only going to get higher.

Oh no... not selling either one just adding to the stable.

[Bluerauder]

You guys in VA still taxing the heck out your cars?

Yep. Last year I paid $112.23 for the '03 Marauder and $179.82 for the '06 Freestyle. Not much more than one of yur fill-ups. ;) But Maryland county tax rider on the State Income tax is way above Virginia's Personal Property Tax and the Real Estate Tax combined. What is Baltimore City and Baltimore County up to now -- 49%? (6.25% state + 3.05% county) add on to the state income tax? 48% for Saint Mary's (6.25% state +3.00% county)? Virgina is 5.75% for the highest bracket.

General Retail Sales tax in Maryland is 6%. Virginia is 5%.

I'll stick with Virginia.

[ctrlraven]

I'm looking to invest in a motorcycle. Sometime later this year I'll be going to TX for a couple job interviews so I may even relocate and forget all about MD and the crazies that run it.

[CBT]

I'm looking to invest in a motorcycle. Sometime later this year I'll be going to TX for a couple job interviews so I may even relocate and forget all about MD and the crazies that run it.

Good luck, man. :beer:

[PonyUP]

I think I'm going to start taxing the Governement for some stuff. For example, for every year that I don't need healthcare, I'm going to tax the government 29% of what I spent.
For every person on Welfare that I feed a meal to, or raise money for in events like the Hunger walk I'm doing next week, I'm going to tax 35%.
And everytime I see a politician that I don't punch in the face, that will be my 75% of their income luxury tax.

Let's see how they like it. :beer:

[LIGHTNIN1]

When has raising taxes on anything helped the government cure their problems? New york has raised taxes on everything except going to the restroom and they are just as broke as before. Doesn't seem to work but yes , maybe this time it will be different.:confused:

[Motorhead350]

Simple, tax condoms! Sex tat engaged.

No! Eliminate welfare!

[Joe Walsh]

Maryland is quickly catching up to California as a communist state.

Everyone is complaining about the ever rising taxes and the upcoming 'gas tax', yet they all say that they "don't know what to do about it".

How about if we Maryland voters stop electing "tax & spend" Democrats!?!?

I know that I am wasting my breath, as 2/3 of Maryland voters are registered Democrats.
So......We get what we deserve!

I, like Chris, am considering moving out of Maryland.
Problem is that all of our immediate families and most other relatives live in Maryland.

[Motorhead350]

Well Joe it's the price you pay for living there, literally. I personally wouldn't leave a state because of costs if I liked it. Here I am in an expensive city without a job and with huge gas prices. I'm still around and never wanna move out. There is always a way to get by, even if it's limping by.

[Joe Walsh]

Well Joe it's the price you pay for living there, literally. I personally wouldn't leave a state because of costs if I liked it. Here I am in an expensive city without a job and with huge gas prices. I'm still around and never wanna move out. There is always a way to get by, even if it's limping by.

I've been to Chicago...and it's a nice city!
(My sister lives out in Wheaton)

I'm just tired of the rat race in the Baltimore/DC Metro area.
If there were any jobs in western Maryland, I'd move out there in a heartbeat.
Maryland is a beautiful state if you stay off I-95 and the Beltways.
It's just frustrating living in a state that has no fiscal control and a majority of voters who re-elect these "Let's raise taxes!!" politicians.

[Motorhead350]

Yes I can see your frustration. Sorry buddy. If I could help you I would, but I'm not in office and too honest for such a job.

[rayjay]

When has raising taxes on anything helped the government cure their problems? New york has raised taxes on everything except going to the restroom and they are just as broke as before. Doesn't seem to work but yes , maybe this time it will be different.:confused:

NO, NO, and No... The stock market is way back up and NYS is still screaming poor. For all the years I was a union guy I was told as the market goes, NYS goes. Well??? Somebody lying Lucy.

[CBT]

I've been to Chicago...and it's a nice city!
(My sister lives out in Wheaton)

I'm just tired of the rat race in the Baltimore/DC Metro area.
If there were any jobs in western Maryland, I'd move out there in a heartbeat.
Maryland is a beautiful state if you stay off I-95 and the Beltways.
It's just frustrating living in a state that has no fiscal control and a majority of voters who re-elect these "Let's raise taxes!!" politicians.

Does she have a deep voice, drive a black Marauder, and answer to the nickname "Biscuits"?

[Joe Walsh]

Does she have a deep voice, drive a black Marauder, and answer to the nickname "Biscuits"?

Hey!....That ain't funny!!!

And No, her voice is normal (now that she stopped getting the testosterone shots)
She drives an silver EcoBoost Lincoln
And her nickname is "Nadmasher".

[Haggis]

Hey!....That ain't funny!!!

And No, her voice is normal (now that she stopped getting the testosterone shots)
She drives an silver EcoBoost Lincoln
And her nickname is "Nadmasher".

Hey, I think I dated her once and only once.

[LIGHTNIN1]

NO, NO, and No... The stock market is way back up and NYS is still screaming poor. For all the years I was a union guy I was told as the market goes, NYS goes. Well??? Somebody lying Lucy.

I am in a union and they have never been honest with us.Just use our money to hold meetings in VEGAS. I always wondered why they did not hold meetings in Newark or Detroit.

[rayjay]

I am in a union and they have never been honest with us.Just use our money to hold meetings in VEGAS. I always wondered why they did not hold meetings in Newark or Detroit.

Never been to Vegas, drove through Detriot once going to Chicago to a wedding. I was usually on the road saving someones job when I did the union thing, not that they always deserved it, but that was what they paid dues for. Now I'm retired after 34 years of nights/weekends/holidays and damn glad of it. Not a good time to work for the government or be a union member...

[Bluerauder]

Problem is that all of our immediate families and most other relatives live in Maryland.

Joe, that has never been a problem for me. :D Both my family and my wife's family live in Maryland ..... all of our sisters and brothers. The parents, aunts and uncles are all gone.

I ended up in Virginia after the Army. Relatives are close enough to visit when we want .... but far enough away that they are not sitting on my porch at 7:00 AM Saturday morning. ;) I kinda like it that way. :o

[MrBluGruv]

I think they are working really hard this week to come up with a way to work in a SEX tax.

I thought every tax was a sex tax, they screw you all the time :confused: :D

[CBT]

I thought every tax was a sex tax, they screw you all the time :confused: :D
lol, you have a point there.

[rayjay]

Its called prostitution. The harder you work, the more you get screwed, and taxed ....

[Haggis]

Joe, that has never been a problem for me. :D Both my family and my wife's family live in Maryland ..... all of our sisters and brothers. The parents, aunts and uncles are all gone.

I ended up in Virginia after the Army. Relatives are close enough to visit when we want .... but far enough away that they are not sitting on my porch at 7:00 AM Saturday morning playing the banjo and cooking opossum. ;) I kinda miss it. :o

Fixed it for you.

[jonroe]

Yep, the State of Maryland wants to add 10 cents to the price of a gallon of gas in "The Free State". I guess they figure with the rate gas is climbing this week, no one would notice anyhow.

This is the same state that just added the 10 cents per drink tax on beer, wine and liquour. That adds $2.40 on a case and $0.60 on a sixpack. Not sure how they calculate it on booze (how many shots in a fifth??) and wine. ;)

I think they are working really hard this week to come up with a way to work in a SEX tax. However, the meter that is being proposed is a little uncomfortable. :P

Based on the above ^^^^^^^^ there is little to NO CHANCE that I will EVER go back to Maryland. Less than a "Snowball's Chance in H3LL" rings a bell.

Charlie, that's why I live in VA and would not move to MD in any event. Jon

[kernie]

I don't suppose anyone wants to hear why i believe sin taxes {booze, cigs, gas, mary-jane someday} is a better, fairer tax than the alternative revenue raisers?

:beer:

[Joe Walsh]

I don't suppose anyone wants to hear why i believe sin taxes {booze, cigs, gas, mary-jane someday} is a better, fairer tax than the alternative revenue raisers?

:beer:

I don't disagree with 'sin taxes', especially cigarette taxes, but I don't want taxes to be the only mechanism for balancing a budget.
Politicians are like kids in a candy store once they get elected.
They blow OUR money at a ridiculous rate, then cry the blues about budget shortfalls that can only be fixed by jacking up taxes.
How about if they get their spending under control?...THEN we should look at any possible tax increases.

Notice how Schools, Police & Fire Depts ALWAYS get cut first??...so as to impact and convince the voters that tax increases are needed.
Politicians NEVER lead off by cutting their own personnel, perks or office budgets.

(Wishful thinking, I know!...but we've got to stop this insanity soon.)

[jonroe]

I don't suppose anyone wants to hear why i believe sin taxes {booze, cigs, gas, mary-jane someday} is a better, fairer tax than the alternative revenue raisers?

:beer:

Sorry, gasoline tax is not a sin tax.

[kernie]

Sorry, gasoline tax is not a sin tax.

It isn't as obvious as smokes and booze but it is a tax that you can avoid or greatly reduce by the choices you make.

:beer:

[Haggis]

I don't suppose anyone wants to hear why i believe sin taxes {booze, cigs, gas, mary-jane someday} is a better, fairer tax than the alternative revenue raisers?

:beer:

Booze is not a sin and neither is sex!!!!

[MrBluGruv]

It isn't as obvious as smokes and booze but it is a tax that you can avoid or greatly reduce by the choices you make.

:beer:

I'm guessing you live in or near the city you work in...

[kernie]

Booze is not a sin and neither is sex!!!!

Indeed you are correct! lol.

:beer:


I'm guessing you live in or near the city you work in...

I know what you are thinking, but you can carpool, move closer to your work, buy the most fuel-efficient car you can find, you know choices.

Or you can quit and go on welfare.








Kidding, kidding, lol.

:beer:

[Haggis]

Indeed you are correct! lol.

:beer:



I know what you are thinking, but you can carpool, move closer to your work, buy the most fuel-efficient car you can find, you know choices.

Or you can quit and go on welfare.








Kidding, kidding, lol.

:beer:

I hate people, therefore no carpooling; I hate work, therefore I am not moving closer; I hate fuel-efficient cars and I hate welfare.

[MrBluGruv]

I know what you are thinking, but you can carpool, move closer to your work, buy the most fuel-efficient car you can find, you know choices.

Actually those aren't realistic options for everyone. I live in the Texas countryside. It is about half an hour commute for me to school and work, with zero traffic, doing 70 most of the way (decent trip, in other words). I have few neighbors, and my family works the complete opposite direction that I do. Carpooling = a TON of extra miles for whoever drives, killing any cost-effectiveness or reduction in gas usage. Buying a new "fuel-efficient" car = dropping a HUGE sum of money that could have been spent on gas for the car you already own that is moderate on gas usage, not to mention the fact that even after that purchase, THE NEW CAR STILL NEEDS GAS TOO. And move closer to work? Is that even serious? Not everyone can pick up and go like that.

There are places where taxing gas (well, taxing it a lot that is, I know it already is taxed) would be like taxing water or taxing air. It is too essential to the economy and the livelihood of those in the area to over-regulate, it would bring everything to a stand-still if it got to that point.

[kernie]

Actually those aren't realistic options for everyone. I live in the Texas countryside. It is about half an hour commute for me to school and work, with zero traffic, doing 70 most of the way (decent trip, in other words). I have few neighbors, and my family works the complete opposite direction that I do. Carpooling = a TON of extra miles for whoever drives, killing any cost-effectiveness or reduction in gas usage. Buying a new "fuel-efficient" car = dropping a HUGE sum of money that could have been spent on gas for the car you already own that is moderate on gas usage, not to mention the fact that even after that purchase, THE NEW CAR STILL NEEDS GAS TOO. And move closer to work? Is that even serious? Not everyone can pick up and go like that.

There are places where taxing gas (well, taxing it a lot that is, I know it already is taxed) would be like taxing water or taxing air. It is too essential to the economy and the livelihood of those in the area to over-regulate, it would bring everything to a stand-still if it got to that point.

You have valid points for sure, but the fact remains that a VW golf TDI gets 2-3 times better mileage that a MM, 3-4 times better that many large pickups.

I have heard a couple posters say that if fuel prices go up much more i will park the MM in favour of a more efficient vehicle, choices.

Are taxes that have choices not better?

My choice? Drive my MM at 5 bucks a gallon {$5.10 American}

:beer:

[rayjay]

Taxes and cuts are killing us in NYS. We were already the highest taxed state in the nation and its getting worse. The schools are a financial disaster. Our district is currently looking into merging with our arch rivals to keep our heads above water, its the only way. I'm taking small districts too. Sin taxes? Try $10 a pack for cigs. One of the reasons I stopped, 7 weeks now and no ones died. Yet. Gas, I don't know since I'm house bound. I think 87 is about $3.60 something right now. Out here that puts 93 near $4. We are talking about taking the Aveo to SoCo in July!!!! WTF.

[kernie]

Taxes and cuts are killing us in NYS. We were already the highest taxed state in the nation and its getting worse. The schools are a financial disaster. Our district is currently looking into merging with our arch rivals to keep our heads above water, its the only way. I'm taking small districts too. Sin taxes? Try $10 a pack for cigs. One of the reasons I stopped, 7 weeks now and no ones died. Yet. Gas, I don't know since I'm house bound. I think 87 is about $3.60 something right now. Out here that puts 93 near $4. We are talking about taking the Aveo to SoCo in July!!!! WTF.

Like i said, choices. I too quit cigs about 8 years ago, perhaps the biggest reason was the 80 bucks a week it cost. Thank-you to the jerk who made our smokes 10 bucks a pack, my breathing and probably life expectancy is much better now. I bet your breathing has improved and you have more cash in your pocket, big win-win!

Now taking the Aveo to SoCo, while beneficial to the enviroment and giving less cash to the oil companies and the Arabs, i dunno, i'm not willing to go that far!

:beer:

[Bluerauder]

I don't suppose anyone wants to hear why i believe sin taxes {booze, cigs, gas, mary-jane someday} is a better, fairer tax than the alternative revenue raisers?

:beer:

I am sure that you have your reasons ... even if it is based on faulty logic.

All sin taxes disproportionately impact lower income people who are least able to absorb the higher cost. So, it hurts them first and most.

If the so-called sin taxes actually changed people's behavior, then the use/consumption of booze, tobacco, and yes (gasoline) will decline .... Maybe. Less consumption means less tax revenue. This in turn leads to government looking to replace the lost income from other sources. That SEX tax may not be far away if everyone stopped smoking and drinking booze.

BTW RayJay --- I'd fly to California and rent a Grand Marquis before I even CONSIDERED driving an Aveo cross-country.

[MrBluGruv]

That SEX tax may not be far away if everyone stopped smoking and drinking booze.

LOL, what if instead of giving tax credit for kids they impose EXTRA taxes on having them? Not quite a sex tax, but definitely works on any kind of over-population problem. :P :D :lol:

[kernie]

I am sure that you have your reasons ... even if it is based on faulty logic.

All sin taxes disproportionately impact lower income people who are least able to absorb the higher cost. So, it hurts them first and most.

If the so-called sin taxes actually changed people's behavior, then the use/consumption of booze, tobacco, and yes (gasoline) will decline .... Maybe. Less consumption means less tax revenue. This in turn leads to government looking to replace the lost income from other sources. That SEX tax may not be far away if everyone stopped smoking and drinking booze.

BTW RayJay --- I'd fly to California and rent a Grand Marquis before I even CONSIDERED driving an Aveo cross-country.

I'm the guy with faulty logic? lol, OK...Maybe it will change people's behavior?

[rayjay]

Heres a good one for ya. The highest in the nation taxes on smokes actually began to work here in NYS. People started to stop smoking rather give their hard earned money to the government. Now the politicians want to know why the tax isn't bringing in as much revenue as expected? Uhm, these are educated people? They got their cake, but are unwilling to eat it...

Kernie, I can breath a little better, yes. However, I enjoyed smoking, always did. It kept me calm and probably saved a few lives. There is truth to the saying that some people are only alive because its illegal to kill them.

[kernie]

Heres a good one for ya. The highest in the nation taxes on smokes actually began to work here in NYS. People started to stop smoking rather give their hard earned money to the government. Now the politicians want to know why the tax isn't bringing in as much revenue as expected? Uhm, these are educated people? They got their cake, but are unwilling to eat it...

Kernie, I can breath a little better, yes. However, I enjoyed smoking, always did. It kept me calm and probably saved a few lives. There is truth to the saying that some people are only alive because its illegal to kill them.

Ha! I guess they have a good side afterall! 7 weeks isn't enough, hang in there, in 7 years you will certainly be glad you did.

I think it's better to have less people smoking, period. Drinking too. Healthcare saving likely make up for lost tax income.

If your upcoming trip is 4,000 miles roundtrip x 20 MPG in the MM x $3.50 per gallon = 700 bucks gas. Take the MM and enjoy yourself!
:beer:

[rayjay]

Ha! I guess they have a good side afterall! 7 weeks isn't enough, hang in there, in 7 years you will certainly be glad you did.

I think it's better to have less people smoking, period. Drinking too. Healthcare saving likely make up for lost tax income.

If your upcoming trip is 4,000 miles roundtrip x 20 MPG in the MM x $3.50 per gallon = 700 bucks gas. Take the MM and enjoy yourself!
:beer:

I've stopped before for 9, 10 & 10 months. Therefore the word stopped. I'll say quit if I ever get to a year. Although I must be committed this time since I'm essentially a shutin with nothing to do since coming home on 01-21-11. SoCo = South Carolina. 860 miles one way. Still a long way in a Aveo 5 DR, even with a good stereo. I'll committ a sin here and say the drivers seat in the Aveo beats the drivers seat in the Marauder for comfort & support on my back. :flamer: away... I've told Beep several times I'm temped to to switch them for the long trips we take.

[Joe Walsh]

Ha! I guess they have a good side afterall! 7 weeks isn't enough, hang in there, in 7 years you will certainly be glad you did.

I think it's better to have less people smoking, period. Drinking too. Healthcare saving likely make up for lost tax income.

If your upcoming trip is 4,000 miles roundtrip x 20 MPG in the MM x $3.50 per gallon = 700 bucks gas. Take the MM and enjoy yourself!
:beer:

There is a HUGE amount of Healthcare dollars that could be saved by reducing and eliminating smoking, excess drinking, and getting obese people to eat right and lose weight.

[rayjay]

There is a HUGE amount of Healthcare dollars that could be saved by reducing and eliminating smoking, excess drinking, and getting obese people to eat right and lose weight.

Joe, make being healthy illegal and everyone will do it.

[LeoVampire]

State sales tax is going up and they are adding more tax for fuel as well soon to try and help balance the budget.

It is $3.55 a gallon for 87 octane and $3.77 a gallon for 93 octane today. Went up .20 cents a gallon a week across the state and the tax hike hasn't even taken effect yet.

[MrBluGruv]

I think it's better to have less people smoking, period. Drinking too. Healthcare saving likely make up for lost tax income.

I always find it interesting how much people's thought processes go hand-in-hand, so much so that one could reasonably well guess a person's near-entire value system from one or two opinions they hold, even though it's not politically correct to judge a book by its cover...

My point here (sorry for rambling) is that it wouldn't matter, IF HEALTHCARE WASN'T A PUBLIC BURDEN.

I guess it makes perfect sense to outlaw personal choices on "unhealthy things" if you are someone that thinks healthcare should be payed for from a public pool of money.

[PonyUP]

You have valid points for sure, but the fact remains that a VW golf TDI gets 2-3 times better mileage that a MM, 3-4 times better that many large pickups.

I have heard a couple posters say that if fuel prices go up much more i will park the MM in favour of a more efficient vehicle, choices.

Are taxes that have choices not better?

My choice? Drive my MM at 5 bucks a gallon {$5.10 American}

:beer:

So someone that works in say San Diego, has a Marauder that is paid off, but because it is so damn expensive to live in San Diego so they can't live there, they moved an hour or so outside the city.

You solution, as oppossed to control outrageous tax prices, is for them to get rid of their car that is paid off, and buy another car that they can't afford, that is more fuel efficient and more expensive because they are shiek?

Sorry Kernie, I love ya man, but gas tax is not a sin tax, it is a necessity for many people. Yes a lot of people have the ability to make energy efficient choices, but many do not. For someone that is all for taxing the rich (Which I agree with) it would seem to me to be that a gas tax is a much stronger tax on the poor, and greatly effects their lives.

$.02

[PonyUP]

There is a HUGE amount of Healthcare dollars that could be saved by reducing and eliminating smoking, excess drinking, and getting obese people to eat right and lose weight.


True, but smoking and drinking are personal choices. Do we really want the governement creating laws to eliminate choices that are legal. We remember how prohibition went.

[rayjay]

Guys, Kernie lives in our friend to north, Canada, where I believe they already have a form of socialized Obamination Care. So we are sometimes comparing apples to oranges here. We could argue the ills of things that are bad for our health, but are still legal, and how to tax them ad infinitum. I'd really like to see actual numbers on how many people die and the associated costs from alcohol abuse in this country. They go after tobacco as if its the devil, but alcohol abuse seems to get a lesser bad guy treatment from society in general. I saw 1st hand the problems it caused for many years. I guess if I had been in medicine I could say the same about tobacco. Just some food for thought.

[kernie]

I always find it interesting how much people's thought processes go hand-in-hand, so much so that one could reasonably well guess a person's near-entire value system from one or two opinions they hold, even though it's not politically correct to judge a book by its cover...

My point here (sorry for rambling) is that it wouldn't matter, IF HEALTHCARE WASN'T A PUBLIC BURDEN.

I guess it makes perfect sense to outlaw personal choices on "unhealthy things" if you are someone that thinks healthcare should be payed for from a public pool of money.

Sorry, the last thing i wanna talk about is healthcare but i gotta make a point. You think healthcare is not a public burden in the USA?

[kernie]

So someone that works in say San Diego, has a Marauder that is paid off, but because it is so damn expensive to live in San Diego so they can't live there, they moved an hour or so outside the city.

You solution, as oppossed to control outrageous tax prices, is for them to get rid of their car that is paid off, and buy another car that they can't afford, that is more fuel efficient and more expensive because they are shiek?

Sorry Kernie, I love ya man, but gas tax is not a sin tax, it is a necessity for many people. Yes a lot of people have the ability to make energy efficient choices, but many do not. For someone that is all for taxing the rich (Which I agree with) it would seem to me to be that a gas tax is a much stronger tax on the poor, and greatly effects their lives.

$.02

Hey love ya too PonyUP, i still say gasoline is a "sin tax". The truly poor don't own cars.

Interesting, in Ontario i am subject to "sin taxes" on a much larger scale than anyone else here. I just can't understand how our thinking is so different.

:beer:

[Bluerauder]

There is a HUGE amount of Healthcare dollars that could be saved by reducing and eliminating smoking, excess drinking, and getting obese people to eat right and lose weight.

Yes Joe ... you are right. However, by keeping people healthy and alive, it just kicks the can down the road to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Older people eventually succumb to some disease or problem even with the best of health and healthcare. No one lives forever. But, the longer they live, the more they will collect in Social Security. The last WW I Vet passed away this week at age 111.

Even with all the bad habits, people are living much longer now than when Social Security was enacted. That is part of the problem with the amount of money in the trust fund ... a larger part of the population is living longer and collecting more. Its a very complex problem.

However, I maintain that any of the sin taxes or use taxes like gasoline that is intended to reduce consumption will eventually cause a decrease in tax revenue. Unless the government reduces spending, any lost revenue will have to be replaced. A good place to start is the failed programs that have demonstrated that they don't work as intended. Welfare should be temporary assistance to help people get back on their feet. It should not be a way of life or a permanent supplementary income.

Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society. But waste, fraud and abuse must be stopped or at least curtailed so that the really worthwhile programs can continue to aid those who genuinely need the help. Paying taxes is bad enough without knowing that about 10-15% of what you pay is just pizzed away. And, I think that is a lowball estimate.

The Constitution does not guarantee everyone a Lexus or BMW 750 Li, a 5-bedroom/4-bath home on the golf course, a 60" HDTV, free cable and internet, or a Government paid cell phone. :P

[PonyUP]

Hey love ya too PonyUP, i still say gasoline is a "sin tax". The truly poor don't own cars.

Interesting, in Ontario i am subject to "sin taxes" on a much larger scale than anyone else here. I just can't understand how our thinking is so different.

:beer:

Probably just because of different cultures :beer:

But sin tax brought something to mind. glutony is one of the 7 deadly sins, I think theres is money to be made here as opposed to on gas. Why not raise taxes on fastfood and junk food. That is what greatly adds to the obesity in this country (And I am a lunch box, but much smaller than I used to be), that seems to me to be one of the biggest burdens on healthcare, is people just generally out of shape. By the same token, we could offer tax credits for Gym Members and whole natural foods.