Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Credit card number to be needed to call 911

If we follow some people's statements and beliefs, then a logical conclusion is that anybody who calls 911 should be prepared to pay for the "privilege". The statement that triggered this bizarre thought was a quote by a Minnesota state senator known for his "hard-nosed" approach to taxes and spending:

"'Who says we're any better keeping people's money than they are?' asked Sen. Dick Day, R-Owatonna."
"It's too easy to change state Constitution, legislators say", Star Tribune, 2009-02-10

So, if people know best how to spend their money, then all roads should be toll roads. After all, people will know best which roads are most cost-effective for their needs. And all 911 calls should be toll calls. After all, people will know whether it is worth the cost to call for an emergency response.

Unfortunately, often the same people who think that the people know best how to spend their money are the ones who think we should support any war the president decides should be waged. Unfortunately again, these people don't want to pay for these wars by taxing the people now.

Oh well, since when have people been consistent in their beliefs and their actions.

See also
Who's to blame for high taxes?
The paradoxes of tax cuts
Straight talk on taxes