Goldbug Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 It seems like just yesterday it was November, then in a blink of an eye, it's April first. Time flies!You're not going to believe this!Obama Couldn’t Wait: His New Christmas Tree TaxObama Couldn't Wait: His New Christmas Tree TaxAt last, the government came through! We're finally going to get out of this Depression! Pure genius I tell you, pure genius!! :idea: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 I thought this was a joke. Unreal. Its not the amount- its the bureacratic meddling in even something as small as buying a Christmas tree. Where does it end?Over half of the population voted for this type of micromanaging government, so we get what we deserve, unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stStep Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 So don't buy a Christmas tree...or better yet, buy a fake one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 That's not the point. Its only 0.15. It is a very simple transaction. Not one where it seems the feds should impose the federal power to tax, for whatever be their justification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldbug Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 that’s a new 15-cent tax to pay for a Federal program to improve the image and marketing of Christmas treesI knew all those trees wearing baggy pants, flat bill caps and flashing gang signs would eventually hurt their image.It's a jobs plan- hire more bureaucrats to "eat out our substance" or pushing for more control, "because I can". Maybe the Christmas tree growers just have a really large lobby. LOL:roll: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stStep Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 That's not the point. Its only 0.15. It is a very simple transaction. Not one where it seems the feds should impose the federal power to tax, for whatever be their justification.I'm with you...it's disgusting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1stStep Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 Obama Administration to Delay New 15-Cent Christmas Tree Tax - ABC NewsBy Jake TapperNov 9, 2011 1:52pmObama Administration to Delay New 15-Cent Christmas Tree TaxThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is going to delay implementation and revisit a proposed new 15 cent fee on fresh-cut Christmas trees, sources tell ABC News. The fee, requested by the National Christmas Tree Association in 2009, was first announced in the Federal Registry yesterday and has generated criticism of President Obama from conservative media outlets. The well-trafficked Drudge Report is leading with the story, linking to a blog by David Addington, a former top aide to then-Vice President David Addington, at the conservative Heritage Foundation assailing the president thus: “The economy is barely growing and nine percent of the American people have no jobs. Is a new tax on Christmas trees the best President Obama can do? And, by the way, the American Christmas tree has a great image that doesn’t need any help from the government.”The National Christmas Tree Association says the fee would fund a program “designed to benefit the industry and will be funded by the growers” and is “not expected to have any impact on the final price consumers pay for their Christmas tree.” According to the Federal Registry, the proposed Christmas Tree Promotion Board, which would be funded by the new fee, would launch a “program of promotion, research, evaluation, and information designed to strengthen the Christmas tree industry’s position in the marketplace; maintain and expend existing markets for Christmas trees; and to carry out programs, plans, and projects designed to provide maximum benefits to the Christmas tree industry” and to “enhance the image of Christmas trees and the Christmas tree industry in the United States.”White House spokesman Matt Lehrich told ABC News that despite some media coverage, “I can tell you unequivocally that the Obama Administration is not taxing Christmas trees. What’s being talked about here is an industry group deciding to impose fees on itself to fund a promotional campaign, similar to how the dairy producers have created the ‘Got Milk?’ campaign.”Nonetheless, the criticisms have apparently had an impact as the program is now being delayed.Bah, humbug?-Jake Tapper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldbug Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 The fee, requested by the National Christmas Tree Association in 2009, was first announced in the Federal Registry yesterday and has generated criticism of President Obama from conservative media outlets.It WAS a lobbying effort! I'm shocked, shocked I tell you! Boycott Christmas trees! Check out Jack Abramoff's book "Capitol Punishment: The Hard Truth About Washington Corruption From America’s Most Notorious Lobbyist," and the video clip on 60 Minutes. Shows how much influence lobbies really have.Link: Lesley Stahl of CBS News gets 'Jacked' on '60 Minutes' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 I'm glad they thought twice. What gets me is that no one in the administration even thought this would be an issue. They have such a tin ear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldbug Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 What gets me is that no one in the administration even thought this would be an issue. Locally, that's known as "Stepping on your.. uh... penis". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willingtocope Posted November 9, 2011 Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 Gee...proposed in 2009. Early January maybe?Ahhh...before we wax too political, this thread is locked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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