Pubdate: Fri, 06 Dec 2013
Source: Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ)
Copyright: 2013 Newark Morning Ledger Co
Contact:  http://www.nj.com/starledger/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/424
Author: Al Mostrangeli

TAXING OUR WEAKNESS

Am I the only one who finds it disturbing that we are at a point in
our society that all we can come up with to solve our financial
problems is to promote and create new ways to exploit society's vices
- - vices that, in most cases, only hurt and destroy people and those
around them?

Now, if you want to lose the grocery money you don't even have to
leave the house. Online casinos and poker are here for your
convenience. Our governor is also trying to add sports betting to the
coffers.

We also have a growing list of states, with more to come, that have
legalized marijuana use. Why stop there? Let's legalize all drugs and
tax those. No reason not to tap into the crack and cocaine market.
Then take that money and build a few legalized brothels. Now we're
talking big money. Just think of all those jobs that would create.

We already raise billions from alcohol, tobacco, lotteries, horse
tracks and casinos, but that's still not enough. The governor noticed
an untapped resource, after he already bled state workers, teachers,
police and firefighters all he can.

Al Mostrangeli, Hamilton
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MAP posted-by: Matt