Imagine this plausible scenario. A mutated strain of avian influenza virus becomes virulent causing human infections marked by low mortality, but with intense and persistent pain. There is an effective way to ease the pain but it is a controlled substance, a prescription drug. When the physicians become infected they make the decision to restrict the use of the pain relief to themselves, while the population as a whole suffers.
Imagine this plausible scenario. Targeted violence, natural disaster and a history of policies preventing expansion of production facilities cause disruptions in oil supply resulting in higher gasoline prices. Citizens with limited financial resources struggle to adjust their lives to the new reality. Government officials, knowing a large portion of the consumer cost of gasoline is the tax they impose on its sale, decide to exempt themselves from the tax. They don’t want to share the pain with the taxpayers.
Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, introduced legislation this week to allow counties, municipalities, school districts and technical college districts to apply for a gas tax refund. A similar bill introduced earlier this year by Rep. Tony Staskunas, D-West Allis, would exempt local governments and schools and the University of Wisconsin System from paying the gas tax.Every single taxpayer funded organization in Wisconsin is coming to the realization that taxes reduce the amount of money available to pursue plans and desires, and now that it hurts they want out of their obligation. George Orwell had a phrase for this.
[HT] GBfan
