JohnRich 4 #1 November 10, 2011 News:What tree growers want for Christmas: a 'tax' "The Obama administration is backing a plan requiring U.S. Christmas tree growers to pay 15 cents per natural tree sold; imported producers will pay 20 cents per tree. The revenue would go exclusively toward a program that will research and promote fresh-cut Christmas trees in the United States..."Full story: CNN Money What the hell business is it of the government to promote the private Christmas tree industry? If they want to promote their products, they can create a trade group like everyone else. This is another sign of how big and out of control the government has become. Hey, how about a 15-cent federal tax per parachute jump, with the proceeds going to the national promotion of skydiving by the government? Yeah! It's gotta be in the Constitution somewhere... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #2 November 10, 2011 Government just gets BIGGER and BIGGER by the day. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coreece 190 #3 November 10, 2011 Looks the the war on Christmas 2011 has officially begun...Your secrets are the true reflection of who you really are... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertAttorney 0 #4 November 10, 2011 QuoteLooks the the war on Christmas 2011 has officially begun... Oooh! Indignant, angry Fundies! **cracks open beer, grabs bag o' popcorn** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coreece 190 #5 November 10, 2011 Quote Quote Looks the the war on Christmas 2011 has officially begun... Oooh! Indignant, angry Fundies! **cracks open beer, grabs bag o' popcorn** nope, not this time...that was sarcasm. I'll give you a pass only because you're new...Your secrets are the true reflection of who you really are... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #6 November 10, 2011 This is important. For those of you out there who are unaware, a "Chrtistams Tree" is a tradition in many parts of American. While it has religious connotations, some persons view it as a secular purpose. The tree itself is usually an evergreen, such as a noble or douglass fir. A fresh cut tree is one that was not manufactured but was either farmed or cut from forest. It is usually maintained with water, and is different from an "artificial" tree, which is manufactured by industrial process. I think that it is important that Americans learn about Christmas trees. Christmas trees are an obscure tradition that a federal tax and educational program will help Americans become more aware of traditional roots. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coreece 190 #7 November 10, 2011 QuoteThis is important. For those of you out there who are unaware, a "Chrtistams Tree" is a tradition in many parts of American. While it has religious connotations, some persons view it as a secular purpose. Ya...the discussion of which has become a yearly christmas tradition here at SC.Your secrets are the true reflection of who you really are... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #8 November 10, 2011 An agriculture group asked for some help, and suggested that a tax be imposed on their own product to fund that help. And somehow this means Obama is trying to grow government and kill Christmas. Got it. lol Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #9 November 10, 2011 QuoteAn agriculture group asked for some help, and suggested that a tax be imposed on their own product to fund that help. And somehow this means Obama is trying to grow government and kill Christmas. Got it. lol No, you don't got it. The tree farmers could self-impose the tax on themselves, and use the group funds to create their own public awareness campaign. It is not the purpose of government to promote xmas trees for them. Nor did I say or even imply that this was an attempt to kill xmas. Got it? Ho-ho-ho. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewGuy2005 51 #10 November 10, 2011 QuoteLooks the the war on X-mas 2011 has officially begun... Fixed it for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coreece 190 #11 November 10, 2011 QuoteNor did I say or even imply that this was an attempt to kill xmas. Ya, that was my tongue in cheek comment...figures they'd run with it. ...sorry for the distraction.Your secrets are the true reflection of who you really are... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #12 November 10, 2011 QuoteQuoteAn agriculture group asked for some help, and suggested that a tax be imposed on their own product to fund that help. And somehow this means Obama is trying to grow government and kill Christmas. Got it. lol No, you don't got it. The tree farmers could self-impose the tax on themselves, and use the group funds to create their own public awareness campaign. It is not the purpose of government to promote xmas trees for them. Nor did I say or even imply that this was an attempt to kill xmas. Got it? Ho-ho-ho. I understand all that. I actually clicked the link and it was the death, destruction, and Obama wants a big government to squash baby Jesus tone of the republican politicians that prompted my response. The funniest part here is its GOP going against the farmers (typically part of their base) solely because Obama did what they asked, which must make it bad. Ain't partisan politics fun? Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #13 November 10, 2011 Here's a problem: What's the executive branch doing levying taxes? Isn't that the role of the legislature? Second thing: why is a consortium asking for government help? Because they want to tax foreign trees. Third: why is the government involved? Because not all growers wanted to play ball. By taxing every tree by governmental executive fiat, those farmers who didn't want to pony up to Lucky and the commission would have no choice. Thus, it's several things that I have a problem with. And under the auspice of giving publicity to X-mas trees. As if Americans don't know about them. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heatmiser 0 #14 November 10, 2011 Quote Quote Quote Looks the the war on Christmas 2011 has officially begun... Oooh! Indignant, angry Fundies! **cracks open beer, grabs bag o' popcorn** nope, not this time...that was sarcasm. I'll give you a pass only because you're new... He's not new, he's a sock puppet pretending to be an attorney!What you say is reflective of your knowledge...HOW ya say it is reflective of your experience. Airtwardo Someone's going to be spanked! Hopefully, it will be me. Skymama Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 3 #15 November 10, 2011 I guess this would be quite the deal (or not) if this was actually going to happen (which it's not). Quote"I can tell you unequivocally that the Obama administration is not taxing Christmas trees," said Matt Lehrich, a White House spokesman, in confirming the delay and review. "What's being talked about here is an industry group deciding to impose fees on itself to fund a promotional campaign, similar to how the dairy producers have created the 'Got Milk?' campaign." http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/09/news/economy/christmas_tree_tax/index.htmquade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrewwhyte 1 #16 November 10, 2011 Can the government possibly impose a $0.15 excise tax on anything that costs less than that to administer? I highly doubt it. Never mind that the $0.20/ tree for foreign trees is aimed squarely at producers protected by a free trade treaty that specifically prohibits such unequal treatment and will no doubt trigger trade action that will cost all sides more than the tax will raise. On second thought it may not. for 5 cents who will really give a fuck? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiver604 0 #17 November 10, 2011 He's not new, he's a sock puppet pretending to be an attorney! Like this one??? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_the_Sock "The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." - Michelangelo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhoenixPhive 0 #18 November 10, 2011 christmas tree tax, puhlease! just another example of government theft! tax- shit, i attended a local city meeting where the assholes in charge here (small town government is the family business) have a municpal utility that charges each utility bill an exta $100+ each month in comparison to other utility rates to fund the city's slush fund. i expect nothing less from a system whose sole purpose is to steal money and protect them from accountability while doing so!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #19 November 10, 2011 It's only $0.20 per tree, but yet another example of the Obama Administration not honoring the existing trade agreements. Maybe Obama should implement the "Tree Registry" so that Big Brother can account for each and every tree. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayneflorida 0 #20 November 11, 2011 Quote Quote An agriculture group asked for some help, and suggested that a tax be imposed on their own product to fund that help. And somehow this means Obama is trying to grow government and kill Christmas. Got it. lol No, you don't got it. The tree farmers could self-impose the tax on themselves, and use the group funds to create their own public awareness campaign. It is not the purpose of government to promote xmas trees for them. Nor did I say or even imply that this was an attempt to kill xmas. Got it? Ho-ho-ho. Just like all those Hollywood billionaires keep saying that they (the rich) ought to be taxed more, always send more money to the IRS than their accountants determine they owe. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #21 November 11, 2011 Coming soon.... a tax so the gov can promote turkey sales at Thanksgiving and a tax to promote eggs at Easter. James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freethefly 6 #22 November 13, 2011 It is so goddam obvious that many on this board do not have the ability to research and seek out the facts. The supposed "tax" is not a tax, but a fee that the growers themselves would pay, not the consumer. The National Christmas Tree Association and their members have agreed upon this themselves, not the White House. http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/11/tree_farmers_blast_sinister_smear_of_obamas_christmas_tree_tax.php Where the growers 0.15 cent fee per tree will go (remember, the growers imposed this fee on themselves): http://www.smithharroff.com/cs_ncta.htm"...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #23 November 13, 2011 Quote It is so goddam obvious that many on this board do not have the ability to research and seek out the facts. The supposed "tax" is not a tax, but a fee that the growers themselves would pay, not the consumer. The National Christmas Tree Association and their members have agreed upon this themselves, not the White House. http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/11/tree_farmers_blast_sinister_smear_of_obamas_christmas_tree_tax.php Where the growers 0.15 cent fee per tree will go (remember, the growers imposed this fee on themselves): http://www.smithharroff.com/cs_ncta.htm Oh shush.... they are on yet another HATE OBAMA roll. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anvilbrother 0 #24 November 13, 2011 We know what is is... The problem we have with it is its being pushed on Americans by the government who was pushed to do it by a PRIVATE tree awareness organization lobbyist. If its such a good idea let them do it on their own, the government should learn to let things slide and let private business handle it instead of trying to jump half assed into everything. It might be a FEE but if they have anything to do with it, might as well call it a TAX! Postes r made from an iPad or iPhone. Spelling and gramhair mistakes guaranteed move along, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freethefly 6 #25 November 13, 2011 ***It might be a FEE but if they have anything to do with it, might as well call it a TAX! [url] How so? It is a fee paid by the grower, not the person buying the tree. Anyways, I have to go to my office and do a bit of work today. Love the office. I always have the coolest views and I keep the railroads safe to boot."...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
