Everybody's against sin, especially if it's someone else's. Our own, we tend to see as virtues.
Such is the case with the Livingston Press & Argus' recent editorial on "sin taxes." The piece in editions for Friday (July 13, 2007) equates a proposed tax on tickets to athletic, concerts, and other events with taxes on cigarettes and alcohol, known as "sin taxes."
In the editorial, reporter Christopher Behnan, writes, "That's right, a ticket tax. What sin is associated with buying tickets for concerts, sporting events and other cultural events? That is, other than lining the pockets of Ticketmaster, Clear Channel and other corporate giants through inflated box office prices?"
Continuing on the "sin" theme, Behnan added: "This wouldn't be a sin tax. This would be a tax on something that actually contributes to our cultural and arts base. I get no greater rush than seeing a great rock concert. Sports fans get the same feeling from attending a great ball game. These are traditions in Michigan, not road blocks to public health. The 'luxury tax' should be squashed before it has a chance to leave the ground."
Not sure where Behnan got the idea that a luxury tax is the same as a sin tax. But he did his research on the proposed tax at a site promoted by the Detroit Tigers and others, called notickettax.com , so it's no wonder his information is distorted.
The 6 percent ticket tax is not yet a formal proposal, but an idea that Gov. Jennifer Granholm has floated to help plug the $1 billion-plus hole in the state's budget.
While Behlan complains about what a shame it would be if fans who can afford $40 tickets to a three-hour game had to pay $2.40 more to enjoy themselves, he conveniently leaves out the consequences if the state does not raise more revenue.
One of those consequences is higher tuition at Michigan universities -- and not just higher by 6 percent. Central Michigan University recently approved a 21.1 percent hike in tuition for first-time students.
Let me think about that. Charging 6 percent more for concerts and baseball games or charging young people 21.1 percent for trying to make something out of their lives --which one is the greater sin?
What would Jesus do?
4 comments:
The greater sin is government's failure to spend within its means.
The problem with ticket tax is more than just luxuries.
1. Fewer people will go to games.
2. That means fewer dollars in our cities - Detroit, Auburn Hills, Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and Clarkston are especially hurt.
3. Those people that don't go to games won't spend money at the businesses and restaurants who cater to visitors. (Ex - Hockeytown Cafe).
4. They lose money, may close down, and cause more people to be without a job.
That's not even getting to the point that Big Government has spent more money that can be afforded and wants me to bail it's sorry rear end out. It doesn't DESERVE more money. It hasn't EARNED it.
That goes for both our current Republicans (as I'm a 1994 Republican) and Democrats. Neither have earned it.
That's bs, RM. Nobody stopped buying clothes or electronics when we had an increase in our sales rax from 4-6 percent 13 years ago. Last I checked, spending has increased in all those areas.
And now we have a couple who was shot and barely lived last night in Roysl Osk Township because of budget cuts to their police departments. Considering cops are expected to be laid off if we don't have an increase, you can expect to see more of that.
Besides, a sales tax increase wouldn't even be floated around if all you righties would support a progressive income tax.
Dan, you sound like the tightwad husband who gives his wife an inadequate allowance to feed and clothe the children. She uses all the cost-cutters she can find, taking hand-me-downs from friends and relatives, cooking cheap cuts of meat to be tasty, making her own bread, never throwing anything out that might possibly be useful at some time.
This reaches the point where the children have holes and their shoes and aren't getting enough fruits and vegetables so she asks for a higher allowance.
Dear old hubby says you spent more money than you had and now you want me to bail you out. You don't DESERVE any more money because you haven't managed the money you have properly.
Dan, you sound like that sad excuse for a husband. You don't care if the children have enough to eat, proper medical care, tuition for school or anything other than worrying about how much money you keep in your pocket. You can't even see the consequences of children not having their needs met.
Why don't you set your tax ideology aside for a few days and realize that good citizens in a democracy are willing to tax themselves when necessary.
Great response to Dan, Donna! IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE TO NOT EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN! The few extra dollars for a ticket has never stopped people from going to the movies, a concert or a sporting event.
What a sick ideology, enjoy yourself while the kids do without!
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