Let them eat intangibles

[camero]

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/22/Perspective/Let_them_eat_intangib.shtml

By ROBERT FRIEDMAN, Times Deputy Editor of Editorials
Published February 22, 2004


And because I'm also lucky enough to live in Florida - where Gov. Jeb Bush and the Legislature have devoted themselves to afflicting the afflicted and comforting the comfortable - I get all sorts of breaks that are denied to you average Joes.


In fact, year after year, Florida's state and local taxes are just about the most regressive in the country. The poorest 20 percent of working families in Florida pay 14.4 percent of their income in state and local taxes. By comparison, the wealthiest 1 percent - those earning at least $300,000 a year - pay less than 3 percent.


See? I finally figured out that the self-proclaimed conservatives in Tallahassee aren't really antitax. They're anti-fairness.

They're perfectly happy for blue-collar families to pay hefty taxes on their cars, their clothes and other essentials. That's why sales tax receipts keep going up.

Yes, the rules truly are different here in Florida, where we fortunate few are living in the closest thing to Leona Helmsley's dream world: a special place where only little people pay taxes.

So much for trickle down economics. Will someone tell me how this is fair again? I don't get it. Of course, this is the Governer with the "devious plan".

[tkulesa]

1. I hope

this article get a wide circulation. Florida needs a revolution.

[Dr.Phool]

2. Then get over here and help my campaign

I'm running for Congress in the 9th District. Tampa-Clearwater- New Port Richey area. I need lots of help.

You can get contact info at www.pascodemocrats.com. Go to the candidates page.

Rick Chapman:kick:

[camero]

4. I'm in Dunedin

You might be in my district but I can't find my voter registration card right now. Have to try again later.

I'm so sick of the trolls saying how the flat tax and sales taxes are fair. The way this state taxes doesn't seem fair.

[Dr.Phool]

6. I don't think so

They gerrymandered Dunedin and Palm Harbor West of US 19 out of my District. I'm running against Mike Bilirakis, a 20 year Repub incumbent.

But I have to get 5,000 petitions signed by April 9th to be on the ballot, or pay a $9,000 filing fee, which I'm way short of.
:kick:

[camero]

7. Was that your ad in the paper?

I was afraid that ad was the one to get people to sign petitions to get the repeal of the amending the Florida Constitution by voter initiative.

Edit: BTW, I HATE Bilirakis. He's a kissup. PM me if you like. I might be able to help.

[displacedtexan]

3. This is excellent!

Finally!

A way to explain regressive taxes to people who don't like math. The only thing missing is the Bush* era hike in state and local fees (licenses, registrations, etc.).

[camero]

5. Especially the line about Luxury boxes

Which are not taxed but the regular seats are. Go figure.

[camero]

8. kick

[camero]

11. kick

[Bandit]

9. Homer says ~ "Florida is America's whang"

I know it sure acts like it.

[camero]

10. If you wanna see how a national consumption tax

would go, look at that article. I'm sure there would be favored exemptions for favored contributors.

[DoYouEverWonder]

12. But Jeb gives us lowly citizens

a tax free week once a year (except last year) so we don't have to pay sales tax on our kids back to school stuff. Of course, if you wait one more week when the stores have their back to school sales you actually pay less for most things even with the sales tax.

[camero]

13. Election year stunt

That week will be gone again before you know it. Of course, you're right. It is cheaper waiting.

[camero]

14. Repubs are anti-fairness

Now there is a bumper sticker. :)

[camero]

15. Last kick

[camero]

16. Bump