"As long as the money went to the programs it was supposed to, I would support it."Useful idiot.
The "programs" are as bad as the tax. Socialism, plain and simple.
I don't want any of my hard earned wages going to these "programs".
It's totally voluntary whether anyone goes in to hire someone to make them a latte. No one is forcing them to part with their dime. And since the proposed tax has to be approved by the people of Seattle in the initiate process, presumably at least 50% have to agree to it first, which has to account for some measure of justice. Perhaps the argument can be made that only if two-thirds approve would the proposal become law rather than a simple majority; who would want a tyranny of 10,000,000 tyrants? But to characterize it as a theft of one's wages is disingenuous, no? I for one do not subscribe to the often advanced view that any taxation is theft or any local program or initiative is socialist or any expression of the majoritarian will is tyrannical. We're a democratic republic, and it is well within the Constitution of Washington and well within the constitutional city charter of Seattle to allow the initiative process. People are able to vote on the initiative, and even vote with their feet and wallet if they don't like the outcome. That's the nature of freedom. Now consider whether it is rather socialistic to deny people their right to raise taxes if they want to for any program they desire.
You do live in Seattle, don't you? Then just vote "No" if you don't like the idea. Otherwise, you really have no voice on the local issue.