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To: ErinsDaddy
No I am saying conservatives do not support taxation for the purpose of "progressive " social engineering.Taxation is a necessary evil for raising the revenue needed to support the function of government.Taxes should not be a carrot and stick to coerce socially desirable behavior.
I am sorry for the tone but the whole idea of "targeted taxes" and targeted tax cuts" to encourage/coerce/force "desirable" behavior is a liberal one.
Taxes should be shared across the broad population so everyone has a stake in Gov and pays for it.
Alchohol and tobacco were not taxed originally because they were "sinful" but as an efficent trackable source of steady revenue from high demand steady supply farm commodities.
The current leadership of most large "mainstream" protestant denominations now consider such things as firearms ownership and SUVs and other gas powered vehicles as "sinfull" and as I am sure you are aware politicians have attempted to levy special taxes on them( not pittman-robinson taxes on firearms and ammo that is a real "user fee" for game wildlife conservation.Current motor fuel taxes are also in line with the cost of road building/maintainence) such as a several dollar per bullet tax and high gas taxes meant to discourage driving and build public transportation.
These are just a few examples.
Think about it read about it( most consevative economists and writers are with me thats where I learned it) continue to disagree and support raising taxes if you like.I
still contend that taxes should always be lowered and/ or adjusted to fairly produce the revenue for the legitimate functions of Gov from the broad spectrum of the people.


48 posted on 02/25/2003 4:32:36 PM PST by rastus macgill
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To: rastus macgill
Thank you for your comments.

I don't believe the intent of "sin taxes" is social engineering. If this is the intent, then this strategy has obviously been very unsuccessful in reducing or eliminating "sin".

As a non-indulger, I would prefer to see those who engage in these activities shoulder a larger burden instead of property owners and income earners.

I agree the ultimate goal should be controlled spending.

Thanks again for your insight.
51 posted on 02/25/2003 5:44:15 PM PST by ErinsDaddy
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