July 29, 2010

Just wow - the origins of the tanning tax

An incredible read. From Bellamags writing at The Blogmocracy:
Invention of Demons
It was the middle of summer, two thousand ten. As I pulled into the almost vacant office complex I noticed the thermometer in my car read 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It seems as each winter passes, I forget just how hot and humid it is every summer in Florida.

I had taken the afternoon off from my duties as shop keeper to take care of my father�s income tax filing while he was away. I got out of my car and began the long hike to see the accountant. As I walked up the stairs toward the office, I wondered how people could actually work outside when it was so hot. My overactive imagination got the best of me and I imagined myself picking weeds and digging ditches because my business failed in this miserable economy. �If it comes to that, at least I will stay tan and get skinny�, I thought.

A blast of super cold air hit me in the face as I opened the glass door to the office. Adding to the North pole atmosphere, the accountant that met me in the lobby reminded me of Santa, only younger and clean cut but just as rotund and jovial. He showed me to his office and as I sat down at his desk he began to give me instructions on how to file the return. I told him I would get things done as soon as I could and I am very busy with a shop of my own. He asked what business I was in. �I own a tanning salon� I said then looked at him to watch his reaction. He stopped abruptly and looked me in the eye and said �Oh honey. I�m sorry. It seems you are being targeted. I read the legislation and was amazed at what had passed. I�ve never seen anything like it.� The sincerity and concern in his voice brought up all of the emotions that I had been bottling up for months. I felt the familiar sting of tears. �He knows.� I thought. �He understands, and I�m not imagining this.� I put my hand up to my mouth and squeezed my eyes shut trying to keep it together but a few drops managed to escape. He saw my reaction and felt terrible as he realized he shouldn�t have said anything.
A ten minute read and worth every second. This is what the administration is doing to businesses too small to have a paid-for lobby resident in D.C. -- ignoring their needs and treating them as just another source of money to feed leviathan. Go and read: Invention of Demons Posted by DaveH at July 29, 2010 8:59 PM
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