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Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark) proposes a 25 percent tax on providers of internet pornography. I believe that creating such a tax is a step in the wrong direction.
Most internet porn sites are illegal. They sell to anyone without regard for age, a violation under current laws. Most use illegal spam techniques to increase their trade. Why would illegal purveyors agree to operate within the 25 percent tax law?
Internet growth has exploded because of freedom from government interference. Nevertheless, politicians keep floating ideas to control and tax it. Some want to tax Net sales and e-mails as well. Can you think of anything that would curb Internet growth more effectively, as well as spark a rebellion among PC users?
Washington may believe an internet porn tax would be a politically popular idea, but such a tax is the first step in controlling the Net itself.
I detest pornography and the providers of porn, but if government decides to tax certain products at high rates -- for whatever reason -- it’s the beginning of an open season on all products, unpopular or not. Why not a high tax on firearms? Why not a high tax on those “evil, gas-guzzling” Sports Utility Vehicles?
A high tax will do little to curb internet porn. It will only open the floodgates for more crippling government regulation and taxes. Thousands of years ago, King David offered a solution to internet pornography, when he said?“I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar…” (Psalm 101:3 NLT).
With TV, you vote no by changing the channel. With magazines, you vote no by leaving them on the rack. With porn, you vote no by avoiding the web sites. But porn providers will not fold their tent and steal away, because of a tax.
Steve Marr is the former CEO of the fourth largest import-export firm in the U.S., a company which facilitated international trade for many of the largest companies in America. Currently, Steve consults with with businesses and ministries utilizing ancient Biblical principles for success in today's marketplace. Clickhereto contact Steve, or visit his website atwww.businessproverbs.com
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