Smokers asked to cough up taxes for Web buys

CNET News.com ^ | February 18, 2005, 3:31 PM PST | Alorie Gilbert

[an amused spectator]

I really don't recall any suggestions other than orderly protests.

I guess you weren't here for the copyright thing, then, hey?

Proof positive that you ignore the merits of an argument if it isn't YOUR ox being gored.

You just dealt yourself out of the game, rc.

You may be a sharp bean-counter, but I won't look to you for advice on how to deal with a broken system. I'd be willing to bet that you don't really have a problem with the current U.S. tax code, either. Do you?

[Madame Dufarge]

No, the argument is that a segment of society is being singled out, after being cheerfully demonized by people such as you, for an onerous tax burden.

I propose we place a 100% tax on the services of a CPA and watch Turbo Tax sales skyrocket.

[an amused spectator]

The founders had no tax when they won independence ?

If you'd like, we can explore the history of the U.S. tax code, and various state tax codes here on this thread. I'm working on such a project for my state at the present time.

One factoid that I discovered was that my state only implemented an income tax during the mid-1960s. I started asking people, and most of them thought it had been around forever. Now, the state can't live without it.

I guess there must have waste and desolation before that...

[an amused spectator]

No, its a true statement. Each smoker is free to decide the amount of tax he is willing to pay.

2005: "No, its a true statement. Each smoker is free to decide the amount of tax he is willing to pay."

2010: "No, its a true statement. Each drinker is free to decide the amount of tax he is willing to pay."

2015: "No, its a true statement. Each over-eater is free to decide the amount of tax he is willing to pay."

and on and on and on and on....

[Raycpa]

I guess you weren't here for the copyright thing, then, hey?

Of course, but Jim settled. Does he or me think it was illegal to this day ? I'd be willing to bet that you don't really have a problem with the current U.S. tax code, either. Do you?

There are lots of problems what specifically ? The fact its based on income and not purchases ? The rate ?

[Raycpa]

How is a segment singled out when the tax applies to all of us ? I didn't know anyone was exempt. If I'm exempt, I'll buy theme for you.

[Raycpa]

Your state had no tax before 1960 ?

[Raycpa]

2005 and 2010 are true. 2015 is not. Eating is not optional.

[Madame Dufarge]

How very disingenuous and characteristic of you.

What do you think of my proposal to tax the services of a CPA at a 100% rate?

[Raycpa]

What do you think of my proposal to tax the services of a CPA at a 100% rate?

I'd quit.

[Madame Dufarge]

Sure you would.

[Madame Dufarge]

So you'd give in that easily?

Because the government is always right?

Why not "petition your representative" for redress?

You know, like you advise smokers to do.

[Gabz]

LOL!!!!!!!!!

That's why I'm only asking questions, and not making a blanket statement until I get an answer.

I figure the company with this policy is the best place to ask. And they always call to let you know when your order is going to be shipped, I figure I'll get a call tomorrow or the next day. I have no clue as to why they don't deliver in Delaware, and couldn't find anything in a quick search of the DE state website.

[an amused spectator]

There are lots of problems what specifically ? The fact its based on income and not purchases ? The rate ?

Oh, good. I was beginning to think you were one of those "it's the best we've got, so we'll have to live with it" types. There's even some of those here...

[an amused spectator]

Of course, but Jim settled. Does he or me think it was illegal to this day ?

It's the law, rc. If Jim wants it changed, he'll just have to outbid Disney in Gucci Gulch... ;-)

[an amused spectator]

Your state had no tax before 1960 ?

I repeat - one factoid that I discovered was that my state only implemented an income tax during the mid-1960s.

I'm finding myself in favor of sunsetting ANY tax legislation after 5 years or so. Let the thieves come in front of the people they're representing and beg for a re-authorization. None of this "Well, your great-great-great grandfather OKed this back during the War, so quit mouthing off about it. If you REALLY wanted this changed, you could talk to your Representative, you know..."

[Raycpa]

Addiction to taxes is second only to addiction to nicotine.

[an amused spectator]

Addiction to taxes is second only to addiction to nicotine.

I'd reverse the order, myself. I quit smoking years ago. It was pretty easy - I just told myself that I loved the habit, but I wasn't going to do it anymore.

Imagine a legislator or a judge trying that with taxes. :-)

[Raycpa]

I repeat - one factoid that I discovered was that my state only implemented an income tax during the mid-1960s.

The state income tax wouldn't be practical without the Federal income tax and today's Federal income tax wouldn't be practical without the computer. FWIW.

[an amused spectator]

Believe it or not, I'm not really against taxes.

I'm just against our lords and masters in the legislature ramming taxes, fees and garnishments down our throats, considering the history of the country.

I view the legislature like we on FR view the MSM. Where's our input, baby?

I've been noticing a trend in our state lately. The state revenooers pass some fee-grabbing scheme, and you only get to start discussing the bad points AFTER they sign it into law in the dead of night.