Taxing Chocolate! Courageous or Dumb?

Say it isn't so!

A Scottish physician has an extreme - perhaps revolutionary proposal for fighting obesity in the U.K.: A tax on chocolate!

Hold onto your chocolate covered cherries!




Dr. David Walker, a general practitioner from the town of Airdrie, said the candy has become a harmful addiction for too many of his countrymen and is contributing to rising levels of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Subjecting chocolate to a "sin tax" -- as is done for alcohol and cigarettes -- would help return it to its rightful status as an occasional treat instead of a daily indulgence, he told BBC News.

So guess what - They put his proposal up for debate this week in Glasgow, Scotland at a medical conference. How do you think it went?

Fortunately, the proposal failed by two votes. Dr. Walker remarked: "I am disappointed that the motion was not supported by conference, however, I am pleased that it has stimulated debate on obesity and the worryingly high levels of diabetes in Scotland."

I heard there was a band of housewives picketing the conference and threatening to turn the English Channel into a chocolate milkshake if this proposal passed. Their battle cry was "Remember the Boston Tea Party?" And there leader was someone named Jane. Wow! If they put a sin tax on chocolate, what's next? French Fries? Cookies? Ice Cream? Coffee?

Seriously though, has a sin tax ever curbed the sin? How much of a premium would you have to charge on chocolate before people cut back on their consumption?

Let's hope this is the end of this debate. It could get ugly.

Federal Income Tax - Is it Constitutional?

Do you really need to file a Federal Tax Return?


Forget about the procrastinators, the extenders, and the just plain "I hate to file my tax return" people and let's talk about the approximately 1 million Americans who "defy the law" and refuse to pay federal taxes based on principle. Some of these Tax Protesters believe that our federal income tax policies are unconstitutional and do not apply. So annually, they refuse to file their tax returns. You've surely heard this argument in some fashion before. About 14 years ago while I was anxiously preparing my taxes a friend informed me that paying taxes is optional. "Excuse Me" I queried? I've always believed that there was nothing more certain than income taxes and death. He forwarded some literature to me and I read it but ultimately didn't have the "cajones" to defy Uncle Sam in this venue. So I cracked the whip and got my taxes done. I must admit, every year around this time I wonder how much of his argument is actually true. Not that I'm trying to escape my obligation but I'd just like to know the truth. Proponents against paying taxes submit that Section 861 of the tax code supports their argument. One of the bigger advocates of this idea is columnist William A. Shields for USA Daily. Check out his article: SECTION 861:THE LAW THEY HOPE YOU NEVER READ

According to Shields, "at least 300 persons have requested clarification from the IRS on this subject in general and section 861 in particular. To date, the IRS has refused to address these questions and they have resorted to bullying, blustering and threatening. But ALWAYS they have refused to address specific questions about section 861."

Fueling the argument is Joseph R. Banister C.P.A and former IRS special agent, and Congressman Ron Paul who also argues that income taxes violate the Sixteenth amendment.



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I personally believe the tax code is entirely too complicated and that far too many resources are expended to support this bureaucracy. Nonetheless, It's April 13Th, and I'm wrapping up my return and preparing to write the IRS a check. I'll be combing the tax codes and searching for every little deduction and legally protesting in my own little way. But ultimately, the IRS will get their money from me and next year I'll have the same question in my mind.......... Is it constitutional for the IRS to require me to file a tax return? But for now, here's your money.... Leave me alone for a year PLEASE!

IRS building on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C..