iTax

New York is about to start taxing all forms of digital media that are downloaded to a computer whether it be music, books, or video to the tune of 4%. The Big Apple's governor says that the struggling economy has forced the state to look for ways to increase income in order to stay afloat.

Other things that are going to be taxed are sugary soft drinks, which will be titled the obesity tax. Any non-diet fruit drink that has less than 70% natural fruit juice will be taxed 18%. They are saying that it is really going to target obesity which affects 1 in 4 New Yorkers but the tax is also said to bring in $400 million in its first fiscal year and grow afterwards.

Taxi rides, gasoline, cigars and cigarettes, manicures, massages, movie tickets and sporting events will also be taxed. Personally, I dont think that the iTax should be allowed, because downloading these types of things saves money in the sense of a lack of a need for cases and wrappers and is also better for our environment. Taxing people for these things will only cause a spike in piracy which is good for no one. I was stoked to see that this was used in the article, which you can read below. What do you think about these taxes? How long until more states adopt a system like this?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/dec/17/ipod-usa


Here is the controversial skit from SNL that mocks New York governor David Paterson (who is blind). I thought it was funny, but obviously not everyone else did.