Free Republic

<p>Taxation is, almost by definition, an arbitrary and wholly political act. Politicians decide what's to be taxed and what's not and much of tax policy is, therefore, nonsensical -- such as the disparate sales tax treatment of hot and cold foods.</p>

<p>Sen. Ross Johnson, R-Irvine, urged Democrats to "think hard" before passing the vehicle bill because there will be times they need bipartisan support, a sentiment echoed by Gov. Davis.</p> <p>The Senate approved a bill Monday that would allow state vehicle license fees to triple, setting the stage for an almost-certain veto by Gov. Gray Davis and a setback in efforts to address the state's fiscal crisis.</p>

In another of his cunning moves, Gov. Gray Davis has nearly ensured that the state`s vehicle registration fees will increase, possibly three-fold. But he`s not going to do the dirty work … he`ll leave that to the Legislature. In the budget he released last week, Davis made a point of proudly proclaiming that he would not raise license fees to balance the state budget. Then, he proceeded to yank $4.2 billion in vehicle fee revenue from cities and counties, knowing those entities would … rightly … cry foul. He also knows that state legislators will be held responsible by voters...