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Tuesday's election ballot provides proof of the legal theft that our law has become. Look no further than the constitutional amendments and statewide referenda the state legislature asked us to consider.
Amendment 2 would allow "low income" building projects to receive tax benefits other projects would not. This favoritism is clearly designed to enrich whoever controls the "low income" designation process. Builders, landowners, and those living in such areas would benefit at the expense of others by supporting the politicians who arrange these sweet deals. This is an example of legal theft.
Amendment 3 would provide tax incentives to encourage development of "blighted property." This is another version of amendment 2.
Amendment 4 would provide tax reduction to those whose property has become contaminated with hazardous waste. When you reward outrageous behavior, you get more of it. It's not fair either way, but if you want to encourage conservation, reward those who take care of their property instead of those who foul it. People that endanger others should be held accountable, not rewarded.
Amendment 5 would provide tax reduction to those businesses and property owners involved in commercial seafood processing. Seafood processing companies are doing what all American companies and groups do. They are using political power to create economic advantage. This is immoral and another example of legal theft.
Amendment 6 creates a program for dog and cat sterilization to be funded by special license plates. Free pet sterilization is a proper function for charity, not government. Pet owners should be held accountable when their pets infringe on others.
Referendum A creates a tax benefit for those over 62 years of age. It is morally wrong for the state to force some people to subsidize other people.
Referendum D creates a tax benefit for fishing vessels. Why should taxpayers subsidize fishing vessels and not vehicles used for lawn care, plumbing, towing, hauling, racing, or any other human activity?
As Will Rogers said, "I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."
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