Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Gunslinger on December 21, 2007, 07:01:11 PM
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I'm surprised none of you degenerates posted about this yet. After all it involves the suffering of hard working strippers.
Texas Adds 'Pole Tax' to Strip Clubs for $5-Per-Customer Levy
Friday , December 21, 2007
ADVERTISEMENT
DALLAS —
Texas, where strip clubs have given rise to Anna Nicole Smith and many other less-generously endowed performers, is about to make it more expensive to watch a little bump and grind.
In what some have dubbed the "pole tax," the Lone Star State will require its 150 or so strip clubs to collect a $5-per-customer levy, with most of the proceeds going to help rape victims. The tax goes into effect on New Year's Day.
Club owners and some of their customers say the money is going to a noble cause, but they argue that the tax infringes on their First Amendment right to freedom of expression, that it will drive some bars out of business and that it unfairly links their industry to sex crimes.
"We'll be fine. I've already stopped advertising, and we're raising our cover charges. But this is going to kill some of the smaller clubs," said Dawn Rizos, who with her husband runs The Lodge, a Hemingway-inspired place that has exotic animal heads on the walls and is packed after Dallas Cowboys games at nearby Texas Stadium.
The strip clubs are suing to block the tax, which state officials estimate will raise more than $40 million a year, based on liquor sales figures. If accurate, the estimate suggests at least 8 million people a year go to Texas strip clubs to get a lap dance or watch women pole-dance in a G-string.
Supporters of the stripper tax say they are not out to close the clubs — that would just mean less money for victims of sexual assault.
"This is an industry that largely employs women, and this gives them an opportunity to raise funds for a crime that affects women," said state Rep. Ellen Cohen, a Houston Democrat who sponsored the bill, approved by the Legislature in May.
"I've been told the fees to get into these places can be $10, $15. I don't think another $5 is going to prevent someone from going," said Cohen, who is also president of a women's center that could get funding from the new law.
Most places will probably raise drink prices and cover charges, or start charging a cover if they don't do so already.
Strip clubs occupy a mythic place in Texas lore as a spot where young women can work their way through college and small-town girls with dreams of Hollywood stardom get their start on the lowest rung of show biz.
Texas' topless spots range from dimly lit dives with pickup trucks lined up outside to gentlemen's clubs that resemble plush hunting lodges and attract men in business suits. The pole tax is unlikely to have much effect on your finer establishments.
On a recent weekday at The Lodge, the cars in the valet parking lot included BMWs, a Ferrari and several Mercedes. At a table in a back corner sat Jerry Trigg, an architect who said he goes alone or takes customers to clubs in Dallas and Houston about three times a week.
Trigg said he typically spends about $50 during each solo visit and $200 or more when entertaining clients. He said a $5 tax won't affect the number of Diet Cokes he consumes, tips he doles out or lap dances enjoyed.
But Elle, a 28-year-old former Dallas dancer, said she worries the tax will hurt women like herself who work their way through college by stripping. She earned a degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and said she now runs a computer-servicing business with her husband.
Elle said she averaged $200 a day at the Lodge — "on good days, a hell of a lot more."
The owners of Players, a small topless bar in Amarillo, are among those suing the state. They said that adding a $5 tax to the $4 cover could drive away customers and force the club out of business.
"They won't pay it," said Chandra Brown, president of the company that owns Players. "They won't come in. They can't afford it."
Some customers and clubs say it is not the extra five bucks; they resent the implication that strip clubs lead men to commit sex crimes.
Rizos said The Lodge already pays the state $1.3 million a year in taxes, and the topless tax will be an additional $60,000 per month.
"Run the right way, these businesses can really be a benefit for the community," Rizos said. "We're a huge convention draw for the city. We raise money for charity with our car washes."
Utah enacted a 10 percent tax on topless clubs in 2004. That same year, the Texas Legislature considered a $5-per-head fee, with the money going toward schools. But lawmakers didn't like the link between strip clubs and kids — the idea was mocked as "Tassels for Tots" — and the proposal died.
The idea was resurrected last summer by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault as a way to open more rape-crisis centers.
In their lawsuit, the clubs said nude dancing is protected by the First Amendment and the state can't selectively tax it, even if it is conduct some may find offensive. Besides, they argued, the tax is so broad it could apply to concerts by performers like Madonna or Britney Spears who wear low-cut tops.
Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law expert at George Washington University, said the Texas tax goes too far.
"It seems clear legislators are targeting strip clubs because they're unpopular," Turley said. "Laws like this would expose any unpopular industry to punitive taxes. It could be abortion clinics."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,317896,00.html
IN real seriousness this is absolutely appalling. The fact that they can indiscriminately tax one type of business to pay for something it's not proven to be linked to.
Imagine if a republican taxed abortion clinics and gave the money to an adoption program.
I hope they sue and win.
I'm trying to leave politics out of this but it is no surprise a new tax is being introduced by a democrat. What is a surprise is that this is coming from a woman and fringes on one of those morality type issues that conservatives eat up.
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When the lobbying began for the Texas lottery it was advertised that the proceeds would largely go to education. It took several years and much citizen clamoring for this to actually happen. This stripper tax will never do more than line the coffers of some politician's discretionary fund.
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them thar demeycrats is gona tax the rich by golly.
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Texas runs the only casino in the state (lottery). I guess it's not out of character for the state government to start pimpin'.
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Encouraging women to be viewed as sex objects doesn't contribute to rape?
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Originally posted by Benny Moore
Encouraging women to be viewed as sex objects doesn't contribute to rape?
No. Rape is not about sex, it is about control, dominance, and power. Rape was around long before strippers, or pornography.
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Originally posted by Benny Moore
Encouraging women to be viewed as sex objects doesn't contribute to rape?
In addition to what virgil said. Going to the strip club isn't really about sex either. Not to many guys go there to get laid, they go there to be entertained by hot woman.
I don't see how it's encouraging anyone. In a free market you have the FREEDOME to go there or not.
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Well, whatever you call it, a stripper is selling her body.
his/her body ;)
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Originally posted by AKIron
Well, whatever you call it, a stripper is selling her body.
his/her body ;)
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Originally posted by Benny Moore
Encouraging women to be viewed as sex objects doesn't contribute to rape?
Actually in countries where prostitution is legal.
The ratre of rape is considerably less then that in the US.
Virgil is quite correct
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Actually in countries where prostitution is legal.
The ratre of rape is considerably less then that in the US.
Virgil is quite correct
ahhhh strip clubs filthy animals
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How about we propose a $5 a head tax on Churches. It's about time they start paying their fair share being they want to be so involved in politics.
Hell $40 million would be nothing if they charged churches tax. I say if the Reglious Right wingers want to try to impose their views on everyone else.. Well it's about time they start paying their fair share of taxes.
Seems fair too me..
Heck they could even give the money to children whom have been molested by priests.
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Originally posted by crockett
How about we propose a $5 a head tax on Churches. It's about time they start paying their fair share being they want to be so involved in politics.
Hell $40 million would be nothing if they charged churches tax. I say if the Reglious Right wingers want to try to impose their views on everyone else.. Well it's about time they start paying their fair share of taxes.
Seems fair too me..
That's got to be the stupedist thing I've ever heard!
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Originally posted by Gunslinger
That's got to be the stupedist thing I've ever heard!
Why is that? They get off Scott free on taxes, yet try to continuously push their views on everyone else by putting pressure on govt officals. I say if they want to keep sticking their noses in politics, well it's time to start paying for it just like every other business in this country does.
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Originally posted by crockett
Why is that? They get off Scott free on taxes, yet try to continuously push their views on everyone else by putting pressure on govt officals. I say if they want to keep sticking their noses in politics, well it's time to start paying for it just like every other business in this country does.
Having both gone to church and paid taxes I feel fully justified in calling BS on your rant.
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Originally posted by AKIron
Having both gone to church and paid taxes I feel fully justified in calling BS on your rant.
Having gone to church, paid taxes and visited strip clubs.. I say it's more than fair. :lol
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Originally posted by Benny Moore
Encouraging women to be viewed as sex objects doesn't contribute to rape?
That "encouragement" makes them a ton of money. They do have alternatives to make a living.
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Originally posted by crockett
Why is that? They get off Scott free on taxes, yet try to continuously push their views on everyone else by putting pressure on govt officals. I say if they want to keep sticking their noses in politics, well it's time to start paying for it just like every other business in this country does.
I'd pretty much guarantee that this particular "stripper tax" has little to do with the church.
From the article....
This is an industry that largely employs women, and this gives them an opportunity to raise funds for a crime that affects women," said state Rep. Ellen Cohen, a Houston Democrat who sponsored the bill, approved by the Legislature in May.
"I've been told the fees to get into these places can be $10, $15. I don't think another $5 is going to prevent someone from going," said Cohen, who is also president of a women's center that could get funding from the new law.
Yup....she sure sounds like a right wing christian conservative.
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Originally posted by crockett
How about we propose a $5 a head tax on Churches. It's about time they start paying their fair share being they want to be so involved in politics.
Hell $40 million would be nothing if they charged churches tax. I say if the Reglious Right wingers want to try to impose their views on everyone else.. Well it's about time they start paying their fair share of taxes.
Seems fair too me..
Heck they could even give the money to children whom have been molested by priests.
Shaky is right.....
I work for the legislature....I saw ALL this take place...and trust me....It wasn't some right wing conservative as you think that got this thru.
Besides....Its a good deal for womens shelters...and the clubs wont lose a penny...just up the price to get in the door and up the price or a dance. Problem solved.
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Originally posted by AKIron
Well, whatever you call it, a stripper is selling her body.
his/her body ;)
Least its an honest living.
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Least its an honest living.
Honesty is what's left when there's no deception possible. Not sure that's an adequate consolation.
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Originally posted by Shaky
I'd pretty much guarantee that this particular "stripper tax" has little to do with the church.
From the article....
This is an industry that largely employs women, and this gives them an opportunity to raise funds for a crime that affects women," said state Rep. Ellen Cohen, a Houston Democrat who sponsored the bill, approved by the Legislature in May.
"I've been told the fees to get into these places can be $10, $15. I don't think another $5 is going to prevent someone from going," said Cohen, who is also president of a women's center that could get funding from the new law.
Yup....she sure sounds like a right wing christian conservative.
I know I read it and for once it's a Democrat pushing this kinda nonsense. However this kinda stuff always has the same source. It's always the religious groups whom are behind it in one way or another.
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Originally posted by crockett
I know I read it and for once it's a Democrat pushing this kinda nonsense. However this kinda stuff always has the same source. It's always the religious groups whom are behind it in one way or another.
What religion would be worth it's salt if it were lazy and not proactive?
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(http://www.tshirtbordello.com/images/single-moms-shirt-lg.gif)
Another attack on the hard working American family!
This is an outrage!
Seriously... what a lame tax.
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Originally posted by AKIron
What religion would be worth it's salt if it were lazy and not proactive?
Maybe they should concentrate on helping little kids whom have no health insurance nor a place to live. Maybe try helping some of the single moms whom are stripping to support their kids... ect ect.
Rather than always trying to push their agenda on other people by way of politics and trying to control them.
If you believe in the Bible, you will know Jesus didn't try to force people to live the way he preached. He taught them what he thought was right and wrong and left it up to them to decide if they wanted to live as he suggested.
See that's what is wrong with most religious groups today. They don't stop at just the preaching, they try to force their way of life on everyone else.
If people that go to the average church in America really belived in what they preached. They dam sure wouldn't be spending millions of dollars building churches trying to have a bigger steaple than the one down the street.
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Whoa crockett! Many churches do exactly what you require and without the grumbling from demanding tribute of unwilling taxpayers. Maybe you oughta take a look at reality.
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Originally posted by crockett
Maybe they should concentrate on helping little kids whom have no health insurance nor a place to live. Maybe try helping some of the single moms whom are stripping to support their kids... ect ect.
Rather than always trying to push their agenda on other people by way of politics and trying to control them.
If you believe in the Bible, you will know Jesus didn't try to force people to live the way he preached. He taught them what he thought was right and wrong and left it up to them to decide if they wanted to live as he suggested.
See that's what is wrong with most religious groups today. They don't stop at just the preaching, they try to force their way of life on everyone else.
If people that go to the average church in America really belived in what they preached. They dam sure wouldn't be spending millions of dollars building churches trying to have a bigger steaple than the one down the street.
It's stupid because you want to turn a thread against the plight of strippers and unfare taxes and turn it into a personal battle in religion.
Then with this comment above..........
I got married in a church in vegas. In the back was a homeless shelter. They performed weddings to feed the homeless.....THOSE BASTARDS! "pushing their agenda on other people" and "forcing their way on everyone else" how dare they!
Besides....Its a good deal for womens shelters...and the clubs wont lose a penny...just up the price to get in the door and up the price or a dance. Problem solved.
Put a $100 tax on all abortions. All they have to do is raise the price and pass it on to the customers......problem solved!
Think sports are dangerous? Charge schools and peewee leagues to pay a special tax to play them.....pass the bill onto the parents. Give the money to hospitals....problem solved!
Don't like violence in movies? Put a $2 tax on all violent DVDs.....make the consumer pay for them!
Great ideas. I sure hope my sarcasm detector was broken when you wrote that!
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Originally posted by AKIron
Well, whatever you call it, a stripper is selling her body.
And you're right there to tell strippers what they can and can't do with their body? Is that the story? That's a bunch of moral BS.
By your logic, we need to shut down hollywood because people enjoy looking at actors and actresses, and that means they're selling their bodies (oh teh horrorz!!!11one)
Besides, a stripper isn't selling his/her body. He/she is selling a LOOK at their body. BIG difference. In fact, it makes all the difference.
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Originally posted by AKIron
Well, whatever you call it, a stripper is selling her body.
his/her body ;)
So is a plumber, an engineer, or any one of us who sell part of our life for a paycheck.
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Originally posted by Holden McGroin
So is a plumber, an engineer, or any one of us who sell part of our life for a paycheck.
Imagine what tax they'll come up with when they realize that US military personnel get PAID to risk their life for their country. We're all selling our LIVES!!!!! That's gotta be worth at least $5 per visit. Plus it's for the children and that makes it o-f**king-k to slap another arbitrary tax on legal behavior and legal businesses to fund some pet project.
I say that anyone who looks at me selling my life has to give me $5. The money will go into importing beer and rent subsidies for strippers so they can live closer to my... er closer to good neighborhoods.
After all, anyone who looks at me doing my job instantly realizes how cool it is and tries to go get my job. That's totally corrupting our kids eh? We're so bad, there's gotta be a way for some govt busybody to suck some cash out of that to give to someone else.
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Originally posted by crockett
Maybe they should concentrate on helping little kids whom have no health insurance nor a place to live. Maybe try helping some of the single moms whom are stripping to support their kids... ect ect.
Rather than always trying to push their agenda on other people by way of politics and trying to control them.
If you believe in the Bible, you will know Jesus didn't try to force people to live the way he preached. He taught them what he thought was right and wrong and left it up to them to decide if they wanted to live as he suggested.
See that's what is wrong with most religious groups today. They don't stop at just the preaching, they try to force their way of life on everyone else.
If people that go to the average church in America really belived in what they preached. They dam sure wouldn't be spending millions of dollars building churches trying to have a bigger steaple than the one down the street.
Churches do alot of this all the time......and your paranoid. Get over yourself.
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Originally posted by eagl
And you're right there to tell strippers what they can and can't do with their body? Is that the story? That's a bunch of moral BS.
By your logic, we need to shut down hollywood because people enjoy looking at actors and actresses, and that means they're selling their bodies (oh teh horrorz!!!11one)
Besides, a stripper isn't selling his/her body. He/she is selling a LOOK at their body. BIG difference. In fact, it makes all the difference.
Did you hear me telling anyone not to do anything? You may have heard some disdain for the state pimiping it's citizens but nothing too much more critical than that. I do find it sad that a woman must resort to selling her body rather than her skill like the plumber or engineer as mentioned. Feel free to get morally indignant youself if it floats yer boat.
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Originally posted by crockett
I know I read it and for once it's a Democrat pushing this kinda nonsense. However this kinda stuff always has the same source. It's always the religious groups whom are behind it in one way or another.
OK, so its ALWAYS the whacko right wing terrorist church nazis that want to take away the innocent strippers...wait...its not in this cae we're actually talking about here? Well, never mind...even though its not them this time, its still them every single time!
Geez Crockett, give it a rest. We all know you're a card carrying ACLU communist, you don't have to drag that into every thread!
Besides, the nonsense the bible thumpers push is CLOSING the strip bars. Liberals wanna tax em to death!
:lol
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Originally posted by crockett
a bunch of crap
You're obviously mistaking a small non-denominational church, which has less than fifty regular attendees, for the Roman Catholic Church. Please don't assume that your experiences with a single church, or a few, account for all churches.
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Welcome to Republican controlled Texas. Higher taxes, loose borders and legislated morality.
(http://blogs.chron.com/texaspolitics/archives/PerryntReligion_1_BRS.JPG)
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Originally posted by AKIron
Did you hear me telling anyone not to do anything? You may have heard some disdain for the state pimiping it's citizens but nothing too much more critical than that. I do find it sad that a woman must resort to selling her body rather than her skill like the plumber or engineer as mentioned. Feel free to get morally indignant youself if it floats yer boat.
How can you say stripping isn't a skilled job? Is modeling not a learned skill? Is acting not a skill?
Just because it might not fit what you approve of doesn't make it any less of a skilled trade. Also I find it annoying that people think the girls "only" do it because they have too. There are a lot of girls whom, enjoy doing it.
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Originally posted by Benny Moore
You're obviously mistaking a small non-denominational church, which has less than fifty regular attendees, for the Roman Catholic Church. Please don't assume that your experiences with a single church, or a few, account for all churches.
If you read my post you will see that I didn't say "all" churches. I said the average church.
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In which case I must apologize for doing the very thing I often accuse others of and which I usually try very hard not to do, that is, skimming your post.
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Originally posted by crockett
How about we propose a $5 a head tax on Churches. It's about time they start paying their fair share being they want to be so involved in politics.
Hell $40 million would be nothing if they charged churches tax. I say if the Reglious Right wingers want to try to impose their views on everyone else.. Well it's about time they start paying their fair share of taxes.
Seems fair too me..
Heck they could even give the money to children whom have been molested by priests.
Well I agree with the premise, maybe not the way it's stated above.
Up here church's don't pay property taxes at nearly the same rate as anyone else, they get the same services tho..and then some.
shamus
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Tax his land,
Tax his wage,
Tax his bed in which he lays.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes is the rule.
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
T ax his shirts,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he tries to think.
Tax his booze,
Tax his beers,
If he cries,
Tax his tears.
Tax his bills,
Tax his gas,
Tax his notes,
Tax his cash.
Tax him good and let him know
That after taxes, he has no dough.
If he hollers,
Tax him more,
Tax him until he's good and sore.
Tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in which he lays.
Put these words upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me to my doom!"
And when he's gone,
We won't relax,
We'll still be after the inheritance TAX!!
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Perm it Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),
Liquor Tax,
Luxury Tax,
Marriage License Tax,
Medicare Tax,
Property Tax,
Real Estate Tax,
Service charge tax e s,
Social Security Tax,
Road Usage Tax (Truckers),
Sales Taxes,
Recreational Vehicle Tax,
School Tax,
State Income Tax,
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),
Telephone Federal Excise Tax,
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fe e Tax,
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,
Telephone State and Local Tax,
Telephone Usage Charge Tax,
Utility Tax,
Vehicle License Registration Tax,
Vehicle Sales Tax,
Watercraft Registration Tax,
Well Permit Tax,
Workers Compensation Tax.
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Originally posted by Jackal1
Tax his land,
Tax his wage,
Tax his bed in which he lays.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes is the rule.
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
T ax his shirts,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he tries to think.
Tax his booze,
Tax his beers,
If he cries,
Tax his tears.
Tax his bills,
Tax his gas,
Tax his notes,
Tax his cash.
Tax him good and let him know
That after taxes, he has no dough.
If he hollers,
Tax him more,
Tax him until he's good and sore.
Tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in which he lays.
Put these words upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me to my doom!"
And when he's gone,
We won't relax,
We'll still be after the inheritance TAX!!
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Perm it Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax),
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax),
Liquor Tax,
Luxury Tax,
Marriage License Tax,
Medicare Tax,
Property Tax,
Real Estate Tax,
Service charge tax e s,
Social Security Tax,
Road Usage Tax (Truckers),
Sales Taxes,
Recreational Vehicle Tax,
School Tax,
State Income Tax,
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA),
Telephone Federal Excise Tax,
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fe e Tax,
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax,
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax,
Telephone State and Local Tax,
Telephone Usage Charge Tax,
Utility Tax,
Vehicle License Registration Tax,
Vehicle Sales Tax,
Watercraft Registration Tax,
Well Permit Tax,
Workers Compensation Tax.
The Republican Mantra
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RPM, you will be a lot farther down the road to enlightenment when you become less partisan in your criticism of politicians and the political status quo.
When we send someone to DC or a state capitol, our representatives only have a short time to be idealistic before they are devoured by the corrupt system that is our government.
Want good representation? Vote out the incumbent.
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Originally posted by crockett
If you read my post you will see that I didn't say "all" churches. I said the average church.
Wow, so you're saying the average "Christian" church around the world has priests that abuse little children, doesn't do social good in its neighborhood, and that they are out to force their religion down your throat. Simply wow, how prejudiced are you.
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Originally posted by rpm
The Republican Mantra
It`s more like a testimonial to the near complete lack of interest or the will power to be "We the people."
It sickens me to see the bent over, submissive and total gutlessness of the majority of the population.
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Originally posted by AKIron
Honesty is what's left when there's no deception possible. Not sure that's an adequate consolation.
yea I guess robbing and stealing or living off welfare is a better option.
And if you found out just how much some of these women make.
You'd have your wife applying for the job tomorrow LOL
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
yea I guess robbing and stealing or living off welfare is a better option.
And if you found out just how much some of these women make.
You'd have your wife applying for the job tomorrow LOL
Destitution is sad too but it doesn't make stripping or prostitution less sad.
If life were about having money I would have thrown in the towel long ago.
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Originally posted by AKIron
Destitution is sad too but it doesn't make stripping or prostitution less sad.
If life were about having money I would have thrown in the towel long ago.
True. Money cant buy love or happiness.
But having it it sure enables you to pay your way out of a whole lot of misery.
Try going hungry for 3 or four days while not knowing when of if your next meal is comming from. And you will soon see just how flawed your arguement is.
Its an honest living.
Who is hurt by it? Nobody.
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Originally posted by DREDIOCK
True. Money cant buy love or happiness.
But having it it sure enables you to pay your way out of a whole lot of misery.
Try going hungry for 3 or four days while not knowing when of if your next meal is comming from. And you will soon see just how flawed your arguement is.
Its an honest living.
Who is hurt by it? Nobody.
Who is hurt by it? If you think it causes no harm then why isn't every woman on the pole or her back raking in the big bucks? There must be a reason right? How would you feel about seeing your mother or sister on that pole?
This isn't the '30's where unemployment rates are through the roof. Our taxes pay for everyone to get an education sufficient to earn a liveable wage for those who apply themselves.
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Originally posted by Holden McGroin
RPM, you will be a lot farther down the road to enlightenment when you become less partisan in your criticism of politicians and the political status quo.
When we send someone to DC or a state capitol, our representatives only have a short time to be idealistic before they are devoured by the corrupt system that is our government.
Want good representation? Vote out the incumbent.
I'm just sayin' all these "sin" taxes are put in place by Republicans. Why do you think I hate the 2 faced corksoakers? They cry smaller government, lower taxes and then do the exact opposite when they are in office. But the sheeple swallow the hook again the next election because they want smaller government and lower taxes.
Vote out the incumbent? WTF do you think I've been trying to do since 1996?:huh
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Originally posted by AKIron
Who is hurt by it? If you think it causes no harm then why isn't every woman on the pole or her back raking in the big bucks? There must be a reason right? How would you feel about seeing your mother or sister on that pole?
This isn't the '30's where unemployment rates are through the roof. Our taxes pay for everyone to get an education sufficient to earn a liveable wage for those who apply themselves.
How come?
Probably the same reason you dont see everyone becomming a doctor, a carpenter, A street sweeper or a host of any other professions.
How would I feel about it?
I'd be fine with it if thats what they wanted to do.
Its their life choice. Not mine.
If thats their choice.
Who are you,me, or anyone else to pass judgement on them?
And you would be amazed at how many dancers are college educated.
Some do it because they actually enjoy it.
And you still havent answered.
Who is hurt by it?
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Originally posted by rpm
I'm just sayin' all these "sin" taxes are put in place by Republicans. Why do you think I hate the 2 faced corksoakers? They cry smaller government, lower taxes and then do the exact opposite when they are in office. But the sheeple swallow the hook again the next election because they want smaller government and lower taxes.
Vote out the incumbent? WTF do you think I've been trying to do since 1996?:huh
Dude this bill was introduced by a republican.
AKiron,
I've worked in a strip club and I can tell you that ALOT of these dancers are not the weak destitute girls that they are portrayed on TV. These woman have ALOT of power over men when they are dancing. Yes it is a hustle and a tease but......
i've allways said going to a strip club is more honest then going on a date. You can spend the same amount of money and there is no garuntee of anything. At least at a strip club you KNOW you'll see somone....if not multiple girls naked (if that's your thing)
These woman are empowered by their looks and the fact that they can make a guy give them LOTS of money with just a little attention and a smile.
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Originally posted by forHIM
Wow, so you're saying the average "Christian" church around the world has priests that abuse little children, doesn't do social good in its neighborhood, and that they are out to force their religion down your throat. Simply wow, how prejudiced are you.
Read my post.. I didn't say the average christian church has priests whom abuse children.. I just turned the tables on the idea of this tax.
The claim behind the tax was to use it help rape victims.. As if anyone who visits a strip club is somehow helping rapists. So I simply turned the tables and said if they can have a sin tax to be used against one crime, why not have a jolly be good tax to be used against another crime. Seems more than fair to me.
It's the same idea just a different point of view and yes it was intended to ruffle feathers. I get sick of seeing people trying to blame everything bad on what they perceive as the social ills of humanity. Specially when they are wrong most of the time.
What I said in regards to the Average christian church, in short is most of them talk the talk but don't walk the walk. I have nothing against people whom want to practice a religion. However I do have something against them when they try to pressure govts to do as they say and then try to force me to live by their agenda.
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Originally posted by rpm
I'm just sayin' all these "sin" taxes are put in place by Republicans.
All of them?
We just voted down an attempted tobacco tax increase, The money from which was s'posed to go to ... of course, the children...
This sin tax was sponsored by our Demo Gov and Demo controlled legislature.
The Governor said that the electorate was persuded by the tobacco lobby buying the election. I guess he thinks we are not smart enough to make up our own minds.
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Originally posted by Holden McGroin
The Governor said that the electorate was persuded by the tobacco lobby buying the election. I guess he thinks we are not smart enough to make up our own minds.
If he thought you were smart enough to make up your own mind, he wouldn't be a democrat :D
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Originally posted by Holden McGroin
All of them?
We just voted down an attempted tobacco tax increase, The money from which was s'posed to go to ... of course, the children...
This sin tax was sponsored by our Demo Gov and Demo controlled legislature.
The Governor said that the electorate was persuded by the tobacco lobby buying the election. I guess he thinks we are not smart enough to make up our own minds.
I think it's safe to say that it's not just Republicans. I'd say if it's a "Sin Tax" in most cases it's from the Democrats. Such as in this case I think it's a Democrat pushing it.
With that said it's very rare to see Democrats pushing this kind of thing. I'd guess it's likely because of the location and Dallas has tried in the past to ban strip clubs. So it's likely this one thought it would pull some support from the morality police.
I think most cases the Republicans try to push more what I'd call "Moral Value" laws and tend to be heavily supported by the christian right. In this case with the "pole tax" it may or may not be supported by the christian right.
The difference between the two is "sin taxes" are just that a tax, but they still allow it to go on. With the "Morale Value" laws they try to ban the action completely which tends to be very unconstitutional.
I don't agree with any of them, with the exception of the cigarette tax. That is a case that cost sates millions of dollars a year in unpaid medical expenses. Unlike claiming going to a strip club causes rapes as we know there is no proof of that. However there is very solid proof that smoking causes cancer in both the smokers and non smokers.
So with that said I'd most definally support a tax on cigarettes if that tax was used for medical fees that my tax dollars end up paying for. Why should my tax dollars be used to pay for something, when I'm not the one causing the problem. I sday make the smokers pay for the problems they create.
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Originally posted by Holden McGroin
All of them?
In Texas since 1996, yes. All of them.
On the local level, we have 1 democrat in office. He's a Constable. All the remaining political offices are held by Republicans and have been since 1996. Our county government has grown, our budget has grown and I'll give you 3 guesses what has happened to my taxes.
Just in the last 3 months our Tax Collector cried it was too much work for him to cover elections. The job has been done by that office since that office has existed. Sooooo, our County Comissioners created the new office of Elections Administrator. The newly appointed EA immediately cried it was too much work for him sooooooo, we now have an Assistant Elections Administrator and he has an assistant.
Say, you can't expect an Elections Administrator to work in any of the existing county buildings. Are you craaazy? Soooooooo, now we are constructing a brand new building just for the EA.
Smaller government, lower taxes. It ain't happening under Republican rule, brotha!
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Originally posted by rpm
Smaller government, lower taxes. It ain't happening under Republican rule, brotha!
Has it ever happened under any rule, anywhere ?
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Not that I know of. But the hypocrisy of it drives me nuts.
Today was a sure sign that Bush is a lame duck. Slick Rick Perry is now blaming all our financial problems on George Bush.
Gov. Rick Perry, who ascended to Texas' top spot when Bush left for the White House, declared on a campaign trip to Iowa for presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani, "George has never, ever been a fiscal conservative."
Perry said in Iowa "in George's defense" that the former GOP governor worked with Democratic legislative leaders for two sessions, but he said Bush should have more actively used his line-item veto power. That assessment is incomplete, said Democratic consultant Kelly Fero. He said that in presiding over the Senate as lieutenant governor in 1999, Perry was in a position to shape at least part of the spending he criticized Bush for not doing enough to trim.
"It's Stalinesque in the effort to rewrite history," said Fero.
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Originally posted by Gunslinger
snip
i've allways said going to a strip club is more honest then going on a date. You can spend the same amount of money and there is no garuntee of anything.
Along that line of thought....where would you rate going to a nice bordello? :)
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Originally posted by culero
Along that line of thought....where would you rate going to a nice bordello? :)
A sure thing?
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Originally posted by Shaky
If he thought you were smart enough to make up your own mind, he wouldn't be a democrat :D
Now that`s sig material. :aok