BLOG: What's Next, The Air Tax?

Recently I found myself watching an old Popeye movie.  As Popeye was tying up his boat to the pier on his first day at Sweethaven only to be immediately seized upon by the tax collector, and a dialogue between them begins.  The tax collector, informs Popeye that there is a tax for just about everything.  Here is what ensues:Yeah. You're new in town right? Popeye: If you call this a town, yes.

The Tax Man: Well, first of all, there's 17¢ new-in-town tax, and there's 45¢ rowboat-under-the-wharf tax, and one dollar leaving-your-junk-lying-around-the-wharf tax, so all together, you owe the Commodore $1.87. Popeye: Uh, who's this Commodore?

The Tax Man: Is that the nature of question? There's a nickel question tax.When I read that, I thought, it's like landing in the middle of the current debates in the Maryland General Assembly.  Imagine the taxes the tax collector will collect if House Bill 1051 passes:commercial cleaning or laundering of textiles (such as table linens or towels) for a buyer who requires recurring service of such cleaning;cleaning of a commercial or industrial building;cellular telephone and mobile telecommunications service;telephone answering services;cable television, including pay per view; credit reporting; security services, including security systems;prepaid telephone;motor vehicle maintenance or repair;motor vehicle washing and waxing;road service and towing;motor vehicle painting, rustproofing, and undercoating;parking facilities and services;barber or beauty services;tanning, massage, or physical fitness facility or service;shoe repair service;tax preparation service;sauna or steam bath facility or service;dieting service;direct mail advertising service;commercial photographic or art service;stenographic service;exterminating service;personnel supply service, including employment and temporary help agencies;management, management consulting, public relations, or other business consulting;real property management service;testing laboratory service;sign painting service;interior decorating service;business brokerage service;drafting service;printing brokerage service;notary public service; and shop window decor.

When I look at this list, I can't help but wonder, if like Popeye in the movie, if these taxes pass, will we too want to throw the tax collector in the River???  Oh that's right, there's a tax there too (it's the storm water tax, the increased flush tax, the bag tax, the bottle tax.   

And I am sure there would be a "throw the legislators in the water" tax if they all pass.While I don't mean to make light of the current financial issues, there are times that if you don't laugh, you want to cry.  I chose to laugh.  So, in the Spirit of Popeye, I ask that you demand to see the mayor of Sweethaven (or the Governor of Maryland), his henchmen (State Delegates and Senators) and tell them you are going to throw them in the River if these taxes pass.   

Call, email or write to your representatives.  After all, they (we) work for you.  And if you find your way to Sweethaven (or Annapolis) during session, stop on by, I am in Room 154 first floor of the Lowe's building.