Car 54, Where are You?

Car 54, Where are you? (1960’s sitcom)

Is it me?

Have local municipalities and government decided on an old-fashioned way to start paying off the deficit?

Through the headlines we keep hearing about bankrupt states and cities. The first line of reaction is usually raising taxes. While it is hard to keep track, Cook County goes back and forth with its bragging rights of having the highest sales tax in the country. California and numerous other states are bankrupt. Recently, in Maryland, the famous “sin” tax on cigarettes had been raised by $1.00 per pack of cigarettes. Because very few smokers will quite due to the high cost of cigarettes, the cigarette “sin” tax is an easy levy on taxes. The “sin” tax has been extended to candy! When they start taxing my vice, like a smoker, I continue to eat candy.

Officials and the legislations are scratching their heads. Where, oh, what can we tax next? Can you guess?

Monday through Friday, I commute 42 miles each way to work or 98 miles a day or very near to 500 miles a week. Over the last 7 months of commuting to and fro, I estimate on the high side of 15,000. In the last two weeks, I have noticed way-more flashing blue & red lights on the side of the road. Currently, every day I notice at least 2-3 pullovers on the road. When you think of it, who does not speed? Come on, tell the truth!

When you think of the high cost of a speeding ticket, doesn’t it make sense to rake in extra revenue through ticketing speeders? The force is out there any way – why not have them collecting additional revenue for their employer?

Why do I know this? On my return trip from Marquette on Tuesday, I was nabbed for speeding – 81 mph. The ticket will cost me $200! Believe me, Officer, I was just keeping up traffic (in Chicago).

Speedy MOM