A Lesson in Taxation

So, when getting groceries this morning, I was debating getting a variety of adult beverages. Personally, I enjoy a good whisky, rum, or beer - especially local micro brews. The Bud and Coors lights of the world are a joke in my humble opinion. I saw a small bottle of Jack Daniel's for about 11 dollars. I was thinking, not a bad price, until one of the store clerks casually reminded me to add about 30% to the price. I let out an exaggerated sigh and placed the bottle back on the shelf. We proceeded to talk about how the state acts like children when it comes to taxes and how we prefer to get our liquor in other states where the excise tax burden is much less. I could get a liter of rum in Arizona for 15 dollars total. They only add the local sales tax to the price, while in Washington State, we have some of the highest "sin" tax rates in the country according to taxfoundation.org.

For a gallon of liquor, people in Washington pay $35.22. Disgusting. For a consumer, we have to pay 20.5% in sales tax, plus a liquor volume tax of roughly $3.50 per liter. Courtesy of the state demanding more revenue, I placed the liquor back on the shelf and continued shopping. Had I been in a state such as Arizona or Texas where excise taxes are only 2-3 dollars per gallon, I would have bought the bottle, perhaps a 2nd or 3rd.

Now, statists would claim that the high tax rates kept me from buying the alcohol deliberately, therefore reducing the risk to myself or others. All hail the Nanny State right? Wrong! The state has no business dictating my behavior and should not assume that I will behave irresponsibly based on what I possess. Arizona has only local sales tax on liquor, but has insanely strict DUI laws. God help you if you are arrested for DUI in Arizona. IMO, that is how the state should behave with respect to people's behavior. People should be free to act as they choose, but if they engage in behavior that is destructive or infringes on other people's rights, then society has purview to act.

Had WA been more pragmatic in applying taxes to alcohol, they would have received some revenue from me as a consumer, instead, they got none because the cost was too high to be worth it.

Introduction

I have had it on my mind in recent weeks and months that I ought to start writing. The first question on my mind obviously is "about what?" Well I got to thinking that I could write on just about everything. So, I am giving it a shot - here I shall write on the random ideas that I frequently have and have an opportunity to put those thoughts and beliefs on paper for the world to discuss and see.

Quotes, sayings, beliefs, actions, happenings, etc. Who knows. I am thinking this will become a place to place my thoughts on politics, liberty, religion, and meaningful day to day encounters.

Quote of the Day: One cannot claim freedom for themselves while denying it to someone else.