http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.7b29aaf6c896a54d5d30e168e7de6207.111&show_article=1
I chose this article because it applies to our country as well. Do you think it's lawful that one part of the business sector-whether it's soda in NY, or tax hikes on tobacco (passed by Congress)- is targeted with taxes on their products to increase revenue for state and federal programs? Is it just a matter of time when your company sees tax increases for your products/services, thus, resulting in job layoffs. Tobacco companies argue that tax increases do not increase revenue for the states: the more a pack of smokes cost the more people quit--not many left to tax.
Personally, I think that bringing the issue of popcorn pricing to a Parliament vote is a complete WASTE of tax payer’s money and political members’ time. Aren’t there better issues in this world to deal with and stress about than the price of food/beverages at the movies?
ReplyDeleteI am going to answer the poster’s questions as well. From my personal standpoint, I think that unnecessary items, such as cigarettes, should be taxed. If a person can afford to smoke, which is a leisure activity, than they should also be able to afford the tax that comes along with the product. Sidestepping the health issues of smoking, since this is not a necessity of living, it should be taxed. Another example, going to the movies is not a necessity. This is a leisure activity and those who can afford to attend the movies should be taxed on the activity. In this case, the attendees that are going to the movies can probably also afford to pay for their popcorn consumption.
I guess the turning point comes into play when, as the poster noted, layoffs occur. This does affect the well-being of the ‘typical’ consumer. Also, where does the line of ‘necessity’ end and the line for ‘leisure’ begin?
I am just going to end with saying that the Israeli MP could probably find better things to do other than concentrating on popcorn prices.
Movie theatres need to make money too...
ReplyDeleteIf people don't want to spend crazy amounts of money on datenight they always have the option of bring their own popcorn, or better yet, staying in and renting a movie.... but as Lauren said, aren't there way more important issues going on in Israel???
As for the tax on soda and cigarettes you mentioned: I'm all for it. While it's our right to chose to smoke or drink soda, I think it's a great incentive to get people to make better health decisions. I'm going to take it one step further and say that taxes on all health & environmentally hazardous products should be raised. It may seem a little dramatic but in the long run everyone would benefit from it.