STATE PASSES HIGHER SIN TAXES AGAINST ALCOHOL AND THOSE NASTY CIGARETTES

Anyone care to explain why these backwards politicians continue to think we can tax our way to prosperity? I generally let others handle these types of stories due to limited time I have for research these days. I refer you to this article from Rick Redding: Tax Bill Passes. Drink Prices Rising.

Ever since this argument began people have been arguing about how pathetic it is to try to raise alcohol taxes and hurt our "signature" industry. Of course I agree that raising taxes in this regard is pathetic.

I also have been vocal AGAINST the arguments for smoking bans and increased taxes there as well. The so called "sin" taxes are an easy way to divide us all and allow pols to gain additional short term revenue. This is not a plan that works.

Funnily enough the same people who are decrying the higher alcohol tax are the same ones griping that the cig tax should go higher instead. In short, they want to pick and choose what sin taxes should pay more based on their own preferences of sin.

This is not freedom. This is idiocy. Seems the mantra is hey tax someone else's vice and sin just don't tax mine. Think about the argument. "hey I need to get wasted every night to relieve stress but those dang cigarette smokers are the real problem." Yep blame someone else for the problems great way to divide.

Pathetic isn't it?

I think so.

There are arguments against the alcohol tax saying that it will cause us to lose more good paying jobs etc. It very well may do that. Does anyone remember how many people were employed here through Philip Morris and Brown and Williamson before the State got hold of them and jumped on the money bandwagon?

Since Mayor Abramson himself admits that 60% of our revenues come from employee taxes, do we still wonder why we supposedly have a local budget "crisis."

Until these idiots get serious about using our money wisely such as stand alone bills, no added pork projects allowed, we will continue to suffer economically at times when we should be able to prosper.

Baron Hill of Indiana, while I understand he is an ass and a jerk for going on the attack immediately trying to lure our business to Indiana, actually is just showing what many States do not show publicly.

Simply that the way of States doing business is changing rapidly.

Remember one man's trash is another man's treasure (that would explain the money made at yard sales huh).

If we are going to continue treating our business people, who provide necessary jobs to our community like trash, of course someone will come in to try to buy it cheap.

Matter of fact why stop at this now. Horse racing is the real signature industry of Kentucky. Funny how many against casino gambling try to justify horse racing gambling. I say hogwash right?

Why not stop the subsidies they get and then go after the farms as well.

Think that would sell well? Nope not to the farmers and horse racing industry fans. Of course the City slickers will not care will they?

Better yet let's just consult all the ministers and Priests in the State and let them define every sin product we have, draft legislation saying it is sinful, and tax the hell out of whatever they say. Isn't that where we are heading anyway with this short sightedness? How long would it be before we were out of debt and the richest State! Wow great plan huh?

Let's work on ridding ourselves of the real baggage that is dragging down the State such as career politicians in favor of Junior Senators and first term House members for awhile. I personally cannot see where it would hurt any worse than these short sighted folks.

Your thoughts?