That's right, I've been neglecting my blogs by not posting much. But all I have right now are scattered thoughts which is the basis for my rants blog, but I can never form them when I want to write a post. So here's a quick list of what's consuming my mind.
1. The new federal cigarette tax, I've talked about cigarette tax here before and it's just not good by any means. This is just one step closer to your favorite thing getting taxed more. Let the smokers smoke, stop taxing the hell out of them.
2. The NFL and their dumb idea to expand the number of regular season games. Fuck you Goodell. Dick. And the NFL wanting to cut back on the preseason. (whoa! links to other blogs!!)
I have thoughts on this see the comments:
One for the Other Thumb
Cat Crave
3. I asked Creation Rex a question, that dumb dinosaur didn't answer. (I found Creation Rex through One for the Other Thumb - thanks Cotter)
Well that was shorter than expected.
2 comments:
Warning - Dorky policy analysis to follow.
Taxing cigarettes is basically the best example of a regressive tax as possible (similar to alcohol). Studies have shown that the majority of smokers come from lower income brackets, and are addicted to them - so raising the price will not influence them to quit. But it does take a larger portion of their income versus instilling say, a luxury tax on high priced items (like an Escalade or whatever).
They're going to try to say, "Oh - if we raise the price high enough they're bound to quit." No. It will create a black market for cigarettes - that usually happens when one state raises their tax and a border state doesn't. The best way to get people to quit smoking (if it's truly the health of these people you're concerned about) is to create a public ban on smoking. It forces people to change their habits.
If the federal govt is really looking to raise revenue on a "sin tax", then legalize the currently illegal drugs and tax the shit out of that - states already kind of do this... but that's a different story.
Sorry - I researched this crap for a semester in grad school.
awesome. you rule tiny. I totally agree.
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