Looting for arts starts today
I didn't realize that the Tax on People With Unpopular Habits was really an inventory tax, that smoke shops have to pay tax on their present inventory whether it sells or not. Of course, I should have; how else could one guarantee compliance? This is going to shake out a lot of marginal outlets. And the folks too far out to be bothered to come downtown for art will have no problem buying their smokes out of county.
This gentleman is quite well-spoken:
John Coleman, manager of Cousin's Cigar Co. on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, said he has been preparing for the impact of Issue 18 for months -- cutting back his inventory from 300 cartons on hand at all times to about 100.Coleman, whose store specializes in imported cigars and tobacco, said he will scale back his cigarette business even further if customers head for the county lines.
"This tax increase is a tyranny of the majority," Coleman said. "And no one will stand up for the rights of those who choose to enjoy tobacco. Cigarette retailers across the county will be forced out of business, the arts will not be bolstered a bit, and in the end it is a terrible sort of prejudice."
Comments
Posted by: Mell
Posted on: February 1, 2007 12:53 PM
What I liked even better was that the issue to create a "tax for the arts" was on the ballot with an issue designed to make consumption of smoking products more difficult. If we're going to go to the ploy of taxing tobacco to promote the NPR listening, Volvo driving, warm and fuzzy goal of "funding the arts," I want people smoking in churches, hospitals, elementary schools, hallways of college music deparments, etc. Of course when I presented this basic economic concept to Issue 18 and Issue 5 supporters, all I would get was a blank puzzled stare or disdain for my mocking of proper social goals.
Of course, I have a better idea, you want to fund the arts? Make something that people want to consume in a place where they want to consume it.
Posted by: Jeffrey Quick
Posted on: February 1, 2007 01:04 PM
I have an even better idea, Mell: write the effin' check! They don't want to support the arts; they want to force other people to support the arts.
Posted by: Jo
Posted on: February 2, 2007 08:10 AM
Ha ha! Next time one of those arts organizations contacts me for a donation, I'll just tell 'em that I lit one up in their honor.
Posted by:
Posted on: February 2, 2007 10:49 AM
You go, Jo! As a former arts-organization officer, I can tell you that all arts orgs love patron feedback. So give them what they want, good and hard! I'm still waiting for a fundraising call from the Cleveland Orch., so we can talk about that banner on Severence Hall.