If you read the news you know that this week Mr. Asshat vetoed a bill that would have expanded SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program). Apparently he feels that we, as a nation, are not responsible for the health and well being of the poorest children in our society. The poorest embryos, however, get five star - five diamond accommodations but once that gift from god pokes his little cranium out into the world for the first time he's not our problem! It's like a rule from Animal Farm: Embryos good, children bad.
I digress.
In the car this morning Brad was telling me how some conservatives, even those who supported the SCHIPS bill, had a problem with how part of the bill was going to be funded; $1 added to cigarette tax. I agree that adding $1 to cigarette tax is bogus. Why is it that there is never an uproar from the right when taxes are added to cigarettes and alcohol; and why does it happen so often? People who smoke and drink are disproportionately poorer than those who don't. So instead of raising income taxes commensurate with the amount of money one makes (thus shifting the tax burden onto those who can afford it), we raise taxes on things (things that a puritanical society considers vices) that poorer people buy.
I mean, why would the mega-rich want to pay taxes? Just look at what this satellite image of a home here in the exclusive north Dallas neighborhood of Preston Hollow (doesn't that name just REEK of revolting privilege).
The have EVERYTHING they need inside their own walls. They have their own tennis courts, park, gardens, lake, pool, and by the looks of it they probably can afford their own health insurance too. If they paid taxes it would be like they're paying for all the stuff they already have twice! So when Mr. and Mrs. Doe are recovering pool-side from their latest elective cosmetic procedure the last thing on their minds are the all the poor children born with cleft paletes who actually need plastic surgery to live normal lives.
Hmmm, plastic surgery. Wait just a minute! People who get elective plastic surgery are disproportionately rich. Instead of taxing cigarettes and alcohol, I propose funding a new SCHIPS bill where tax revenue is generated from elective plastic surgery procedures. You're not raising income, estate or capital gains tax so that neutralizes 90% of republican argument AND in a puritanical society it only makes sense that if you tax the smokers and the wine-os that you should tax the strumpets as well! Every time Ms. Doe goes into the doctors office and demands larger breasts, smoother skin, a higher brow, or botulinum toxin to prevent her face from accidentally showing any sign of compassion for those who have less than her she get's taxed, and that money goes to help those who need it most. Same goes for Mr. Doe getting pec implants, calf implants, and laser hair removal. Because if you can afford to spend $10000 for fake tits or $1000 to strip all the hair off your body then you can afford to help poor children get the healthcare they deserve and, more importantly, need.