Italian Writers Union Calls for New Tax on Phone, Computers

[Ravensknight]

There is NOTHING natural about perpetuating a tax.

But thank you for explaining.

[rkomar]

The problem in Canada is that very little of the money collected on media goes to artists, especially the smaller ones who need the money. Administrative costs in the collecting organization seem to always be near to the levels collected. As usual, it's the executives in these kinds of organizations that end up being the only ones to get a big payday.

[jgaiser]

Originally Posted by GoSharks

Yes, unfortunately there is the NEA. Of it's 159 million dollar budget in 2012, 158 million was from taxes (1,107,000 was from donations referred to euphemistically as "non-federal gifts").... As the U.S. is currently 17 trillion dollars in debt, I would refer you back to my previous comment.

Ok. My bleeding left-wing heart is showing.

There are a *lot* of things that could be cut to reduce the Federal Debt. Some *much* larger than a measly 159Mil (cough-Defense Budget-cough). If a country can't support it's arts, I think something is definitely wrong.

Down off my soapbox...

[GoSharks]

Originally Posted by jgaiser

Ok. My bleeding left-wing heart is showing.

There are a *lot* of things that could be cut to reduce the Federal Debt. Some *much* larger than a measly 159Mil (cough-Defense Budget-cough). If a country can't support it's arts, I think something is definitely wrong.

Down off my soapbox...

The NEA was specifically discussed only because it was mentioned.....There are MANY,MANY (manymanymanymany) things that could/should be cut. I would however still include the NEA on the chopping block at least until we have our house in order. (and then I would probably still object to it being funded by taxes )

*Off-Topic*
Do you find it humorous that the person from rural NW Oregon is the Bleeding-Heart Liberal and the person from California (S.F. Bay Area) is the Atilla-The-Hun conservative? Made me snicker!