Posted on 04/15/2014 8:27:50 PM PDT by dignitasnews
Chicago resident Nahshon Shelton was arrested over the weekend for allegedly pulling out a 22-caliber pistol gun and threatening a convenience store clerk and fellow customers in his anger over a 22-cent “sin” tax on the 2-liter Pepsi he was purchasing Saturday afternoon.
Chicago police reported that Shelton was adamant that his outburst was justified, as they quoted him as saying “This is my neighborhood, I’m tax exempt! Man, you know what, I’ll keep it real. I had to put them in their place.”
While I do not condone Shelton’s action, I cannot help but empathize with his frustrations. The tax, effectively 12% of the purchase price of the soda, is both egregious and an attempt to control our behaviors. Social engineering schemes of this nature are becoming all too common and run counter to the cultural roots of our nations principles.
While even those of us who consider ourselves to be conservative begrudgingly acknowledge some level of taxation is necessary to fund and maintain a working government, taxation with the intent to curb or control behavior is an insidious violation of all that we hold dear. It also reveals the enormous philosophical gulf between the left and the right , not simply in the proper levels of taxation, but its purpose.
The increasing attitude of the left is to utilize taxation as a punitive weapon. In the case of the soda-tax, and other levies on sugary snacks, liberals see these measures as a means to “protect us from ourselves.” Their hope is that by increasing the cost of these delectable delights, consumers will be more likely to opt for healthier, albeit more expensive, alternatives.
While one can certainly argue that a bottle of guava juice is a better choice for our bodies than a Pepsi, coercion via increased government taxation is the absolute definition of tyranny. While many liberals scoff at this notion, arguing that the tax amounts to less than a quarter, they miss the entire point. For the government, at any level, to monetarily penalize us for choosing a legal products that we desire is a denial of our freedoms. It is an attempt to control our behaviors by manipulating the free market and making our choices more costly.
In their zeal to legislate further penalties and costs on our choices, they also expose the hypocrisy of their so-called commitment to lower income Americans. These “sin-taxes,” be they on soda, cigarettes, Twinkies, gas or plastic grocery bags, have a disproportionate impact on poor and working class communities. When someone stops at the local Gas N Gulp to purchase 10 gallons of gas, grab a pack of smokes, a soda and a few other tasty treats, they will end up paying an extra $5 or so in taxes. And if one needs a bag to carry it all in, there’s another dime you’re going to have to fork over.
Mr. Shelton went about his revolt in the absolute wrong manner, and will most likely pay the price for this, deservedly so. But the emotions which drove him to this action are not altogether different than those which motivated a group of Boston resident to dump a boatload of tea in the harbor, not so long ago.
Give us liberty or give us death. Even if that death is from diabetes.
‘Nahshon.’
Yeah, I know: “That’s racist!”
Outlaws don’t abide by laws though do they?
Let’s ask landgrabber Harry Reid.
Even if he is convicted of a felony he will vote straight Dem: while he is in prison, when he gets out, and he is such a loyal supporter, in death he will still vote Dem.
Not really. You can now carry in downtown Chicago, if you have a license. You just have to navigate around all the gun-free-zones. But I'm betting young Mr. Shelton doesn't have a permit. Wild guess, I know. So you're statement still applies. He's actually lucky a licensed carry guy wasn't there at the time. Having someone brandish a weapon at you can trigger (pardon the expression) a completely legitimate fear for one's life. Just sayin ...
Nahshon?
Nahshon?
Nah, couldn’t be one of bummers sons. Sounds too German.
Pulling guns on convenience store owners is a no-no and no I don't want a jury nullifying the law to save his rear.
Don't like the laws? Then take it up with the elected who pass them, and convince voters of your positions using arguments.
Definitely prosecute this guy.
ABSOLUTELY prosecute the guy. He threatened the life of an innocent person - with a gun or otherwise.
The gun has nothing to do with it, other than to be used as a political prop.
“Empathize”?? There’s nothing to empathize with. The guy acted like a thug, and should be treated like one.
We all hate high and unfair taxes, but that comes from ELECTING thugs in the first place. You don’t take that out on the local corner mom and pop store just trying to get by.
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