Unconscionable taxation

There is a terrific article in The Star today, showing what our representatives passed this week for legislation regarding taxes on pleasure crafts--boats--in Missouri:

"Cash-strapped legislators have recommended spending cuts for Missouri schools and shelters for battered women, but so far the yachting class can enjoy another season of clear sailing."

Read: paying no taxes on their large boat purchases.

No taxes.

It's so obviously hypocritical it's difficult to believe.

The article points out that the people who enjoy these large boats--yachts, truly, as the paper refers to them--are the people who are closest to the representatives. They are the lobbyists and corporate
wealhty who can no doubt purchase the tax cuts from the friends, these same representatives.

But what is most telling to me was The Star'schart, showing what the taxes would be for these watercraft, should this proposal pass.

Want to buy a 55 foot yacht?

Zero taxes.

45 foot boat?

Same--zero tax paid.

32 foot?

you're clear.

But buy a 22 foot pontoon? (Which, mind you, I'm not saying is "cheap" but it truly can't be compared in cost to the huge ships above).

$2315.00 in taxes.

That is stunning.

How about a 17 foot boat?

$1390.00

Then there's a 12 foot rowboat?

You'll pay $115.00 in taxes, sucker.

The poor schlub who pays $1500.00 for a rowboat pays $115.00 more in taxes that the guy who can and does pay nearly a million dollars for his yacht.

This is revolting. Disgusting. Shameful. Really unscionable.

Let there be no doubt, NOT STEVE WONDER said it best when he said, "Them that has, gets."

Apparently these fatcats and their representative friends are completely unfamiliar with the term "noblesse oblige."