US Government is only 108 years behind the times

Gadgets.macworld ^ | 5-27-06 | Dan Moren

[Pharmboy]

Did you know that the Spanish-American war ended in 1898? No? Apparently, neither did the US Government. Over a hundred years ago, the government enacted a 3% tax on long distance phone calls to help finance the war.

And they didn't repeal the tax until now. What the hell was all that money going to: keeping Teddy Roosevelt cryogenically preserved?

As of June 30, 2006, your phone bill may decrease. Not only that, but on next year's taxes you'll be able to claim for a refund on the past three years of your phone bill. Granted, we're talking about reclaiming all of $10 or $20. Hurrah!

Now I'm curious, though. What the heck else is being hidden under the aegis of "taxes" on my monthly phone bills? Are we still financing the War of 1812? The American Revolution? My cell phone bill goes up around $5 due to taxes every month. When I used to have a landline, my bill would go about about a third due to taxes. What gives? You're telling me I have to pay my taxes and have my calls logged by NSA? That hardly seems fair.

[Pharmboy]

I thought this guy was worth the post...

[CzarNicky]

Did you know that the Spanish-American war ended in 1898?

yes

[Pharmboy]

Well, we're making progress. And if you're under 40, you must be in Mensa.

[dirtbiker]

Did you know that the Spanish-American war ended in 1898?

Yes, I did. I ACTUALLY learned history in school, back when they actually TAUGHT history in school....

I also know when the War of 1812 started, too....

[Pharmboy]

...and you of course know who's buried in Grant's Tomb. That's why Freepers are the best...

[CzarNicky]

Under 40 yes, Mensa no. I am however a repository for facts that have little practical value.

[dirtbiker]

...and you of course know who's buried in Grant's Tomb....

Absolutely! Like I said, that was back in the day we were actually TAUGHT something in school....before PC (and PC's....)

[thoughtomator]

Nowadays if you want to know about something you have to read about it on Free Republic... get a good history education here, you will.

[Lokibob]

It actually amazes me that people are paying taxes on their long distance calls anyway.

A long time ago, I canceled all long distance calls on my home phone. I had NO long distance service. Then I went to Wal Mart and purchased a calling card, and only pay 5 cents for long distance calls anywhere. Thats it, 5 cents a min. I know, probably built into that is the taxes, but I don't see it. And frankly, when the long distance charges monthly are less than the added on fees, upgrades, and taxes,on your home phone it only makes sense.

BTW, I use an AT&T calling card. I do not know about the 2 cents a minute cards. I take the card to Wal Mart every couple of months and add $20 (400 minutes). Dialing a whole bunch of numbers isn't a problem with auto dialers. I works for me.

[SunkenCiv]

:'D Teddy Roosevelt was a RINO, after all. ;') ;') ;')

[Pharmboy]

Hmmm...that's pretty clever.

[FairOpinion]

Amusing (or not so amusing) tax story your ping list might find interesting -- moral of the story, there is no such thing as a "temporary" tax.

"Did you know that the Spanish-American war ended in 1898? No? Apparently, neither did the US Government. Over a hundred years ago, the government enacted a 3% tax on long distance phone calls to help finance the war.

And they didn't repeal the tax until now. "

[dufekin]

I'd like to know: did we WIN or LOSE the Spanish-American War, now that we've finally concluded it? Spain, by the way, has been our ally for decades. I only wonder what they think about this finally-concluded war.

[FairOpinion]

The war has been long over, just our payment of the taxes levied with that excuse kept going to the government.

[ancient_geezer]

And we still haven't cleared that national debt.

[Mrs. Darla Ruth Schwerin]

Not to worry, the phone one was nixed, but another has taken its place...

[tet68]

...and you of course know who's buried in Grant's Tomb.

Not only that, but that Ferdinand Magellen circumsized
the world with a forty foot clipper!

And he didn't have to cut it short either.

[Pharmboy]

LOL!

[Berosus]

I began paying my share of the Spanish-American War Effort when I married a Filipina. Ever since then, a portion of the family income has gone to poor in-laws in the archipelago.

By the way, Teddy WAS considered a liberal back then. It probably had something to do with the Republican Party controlling a larger share of the electorate than it does now; that's why they called it the "Grand Old Party."

[Berosus]

Well, the Punic Wars weren't declared over until 1985 A.D., when the mayors of Rome and Carthage got together to sign a peace treaty. I know, it was a stunt to promote tourism to both cities, but better late than never.