Seriously, this is an idiotic move. They're targeting one religion for a tax. Why not tax menorahs? Or prayer rugs?
Do you have to be Christian to put up a Christmas tree? Christmas stopped being about religion a long time ago, so I hardly think of this as a tax on religion.
Seriously, this is an idiotic move.
and everyone else that responded to this, what world are you living in?
it's a perception thing, I can't believe all of Obama's advisers failed him so badly, are they that stupid?
this makes about as much sense as Herman Cain going to a women's shelter and giving out free hugs.
and this question is asked.
During Obama's four year term which of the following will be false ?
Look, I think it's a silly tax, BUT if anyone else would have done it no one would have noticed. You are ignorant to think this has to do with religion, and if you're that ignorant than honestly nothing will change your perception of this world. Jesus could come down himself and you wouldn't recognise him... that's all I'm saying.
you caught the false statement, good job!
I am a Obama supported, and most likely will vote for him again in 2012.
my point in this conversation, is that most are predicting a very close election next year, and Obama taxing Christmas trees is a net loss for that goal.
And my point is that this type of thing is not going to push an independent over the edge.
Those that see this for anything more than it is, already believe Osama is a Muslim socialist hellbent on destroying Christmas.
I try and write my remarks in a way that allows others to participate in a general conversation.
that said, it seems you want to wish away any negative impacts or outcomes.
in close elections , small things matter a lot.
I do recall awhile back, I posted something about GOP gains allowing them to change voting laws in ways that repress voter turn out that will impact Democratic turn out.
At that time you dismissed it.
It has been a very big story in many states, the Democratic party believes it is serious and is fighting it.
I just call these things as I see them.
Come to find out the Heritage Foundation an extreme right wing organization is the one that made this a story, shock and awe. And it's not a tax created by the white house perse its a fee imposed by the industry in order to help promote the industry. The same type of "tax" gave us the "Got Milk" campaign, and "Beef, it's what's for dinner".
I'm not wishing away anything, I'm very much a realist and know things are pretty slim. But I'm also pretty realistic on who these small stories effect.
that I try and adhere to, is to stay away from a 'hot' topic for a couple of days.
often times they are poorly sourced. most times I spend a bit of time doing my own fact checking.
This time I just took my fellow FYMers to be on point, that Obama had imposed this tax.
it will be interesting to see how some Administration detractors will try and keep this story going.
Guess you caught "my" false statement, deep.
I was waiting to see when someone would say "what does Obama have to do with this?!"
That being said, I agree it's a dumb move on the part of the administration. It's just more government meddling in an industry that is dying for a variety of reasons. More than likely, reason #1 is the economy. #2 among those tree loving hippies is to forgo the cutting down of a tree to drag into your house, water it like some mutant houseplant, put a bunch of toys underneath it and then toss it in the trash a few days after Christmas and simply just buy an artificial tree. (Which we have at home, and have had since I was at least 7).
Nonetheless, Obama seems to overcome these missteps over time.
Or, depending on how you see it, "the mainstream media just chooses to ignore them."
Nonetheless, the criticisms have apparently had an impact as the program is now being delayed.
*** the Administration seems to agree with me, perception matters, they don't even want to risk losing a few ignorant voters.
TBH I didn't get the impression anyone except you thought that, granted that's how lots of headlines out there are making it sound. It is the DoA, as opposed to the growers, technically imposing the tax (fee), as the relevant legislation (Commodity Promotion Act) requires.
OMG WAR ON CHRISTMAS! WAR ON CHRISTMAS!
also, it seems the Administration is responding to 'the perception'.