John Kerry Proves Taxes Matter

By Kevin J. Price

There is an old saying, "the more you tax something, the less you get of it; the more you subsidize something, the more you get of it." Most people generally accept this as a truism, but liberals still vehemently disagree and believe any talk of reducing taxes on the wealthy are purely designed to keep the rich...rich. There has been a flight of the rich from states like Maryland and New York because of particularly onerous taxation on high income individuals and businesses. Nationally syndicated radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has left his beloved city of New York to move to the more tax friendly Florida. Liberal politicians are mum or dismissive about the connection between taxes and personal decision making.

These politicians may not be saying much, but their actions speak much louder than words. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass) has always been an advocate of "taxing the rich" to "take care" of the poor. He has been a "soak the rich" candidate (while also one of the richest members of the Senate) his entire political career. However, when taxes became personal for the Senator in the recent purchase of a boat, his behavior looked more like a shrewd Tea Party advocate than a Progressive politician.

A WBZ TV recent headline says it all..."Kerry On Yacht-Taxes Issue: 'Nothing More To Say.'" He does not have to talk, simply watch his actions. The article notes that "Senator John Kerry found himself answering questions Monday about his new $7 million yacht and the controversy about where he's docking it." The boat, that he calls the "Isabel," was purchased in Rhode Island (not in his home state of Massachusetts). Furthermore, it was made in New Zealand and not the United States. He is dismissive and developing excuses for why his new boat is in Rhode Island and not his home state, but many are looking at tax law as a contributing factor. The story reports that, because the boat is in Rhode Island and not Massachusetts, "he avoids paying nearly $500,000 in taxes to Massachusetts and he doesn't have to pay a $70,000-a-year excise tax."

Do taxes effect the behavior of people? It certainly does to the politicians who argue it does not.

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Kevin Price
Host, Price of Business, M-F at 11 am on CBS Radio News
Frequently found on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com
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