You guys got it all wrong.
It isn't a marriage "penality" at all....
The Marriage Tax Increase is actually a "sin tax" originally designed to save us all from harmful behavior.
Marriage, by many accounts of divorced men I know, is not a emotionally healthy thing, yet it seems to be habit-forming. Indeed, over 90% of all Americans try it at least once. And, many people talk of the "emotional high" it gives you, soon followed by a "low" Addiction? You better believe it!
In an attempt to limit the demand for marriage, the Government raised the price by taxing it. Unfortunately, this "Marriage Sin Tax" seems to not have reduced the incidence of marriage on our society at all. In fact, it only increases the financial burden of those suffering most from "Marriage Addiction".
Indeed, Marriage is running rampant in American society like never before. Once upon a time, most people who tried it, never got Married a second time. Nowadays, many more people get Married once, then try to quit, but end up getting Married again. It's a bitter cycle, good for nobody.
The solution to the Marrige Addiction of society is not increasing the tax burden of those harmed by it. Nor do we need more Marriage Laws which make it easier to obtain a Marrige, such as the much-talked about "common law marriage".
On the flip side, though, banning Marrage outright won't stop it, either. Churches, known for their protections from the Government, are common providers of Marriage. Indeed, making Marriage a criminal act will ensure that only criminals get Married.
What is the solution to Marriage?
The Republicans feel that enforcement of existing laws should keep things in check. In addition, tough "3 strikes and you're out" laws--namely, preventing repeat offenders from ever recieving a marrige again--are also popular among Republicans.
Democrats, on the other hand, feel that a multi-billion dollar Marriage Commission must be set up (funded in part by the marriage sin tax), headed by a "Marrige Czar". In addition, proper counseling and rehabilitation is a high priority. Finally, the Democrats feel that all Elementary schools should require "Marriage Education" before students are premitted to advance beyond 4th grade.
Unfortunately, as usual, the Democratic president vetoed the Republican plan, so nothing is being done about the problem and the ineffuctual Marriage Sin Tax remains our only deterrent to Marriage. 90-some percent of Americans still get Married, often more than once. As usual, the Government can't do a thing.
J_A_B
[This message has been edited by J_A_B (edited 09-27-2000).]
