Let's See How Far We've Come

I confess. I'm a Matchbox Twenty kinda guy. You know the type - not real macho, but someone who likes a neat little hook, some guitar and inspiring lyrics. Thus the reason for the blog this week.

This past weekend I found myself in Washington, D.C. with the family and some friends. We did the whole sight-seeing thing (on our own since I used to live there and am not intimidated by the traffic, the trains, etc.)

Somewhere between the Lincoln Memorial, The Capitol Building and the Vietnam War Memorial I couldn't help but begin singing the words to "How Far We've Come" by Rob Thomas and the boys. If you aren't familiar with the lyrics, the chorus is pretty simple:

"let's see how far we've come, let's see how far we've come.... " The verses basically talk about wondering if things will get better, blah blah blah.

You get the point.

But standing in the elbow of the Vietnam War Memorial (the 'V' portion) and looking at the Washington Monument, The Capitol and Honest Abe, I really need to ask: Have we come far at all?

The Wall is amazingly simple, elegant and breathtaking. Total silence comforts strangers walking along the worn path as they examine row after row of names - all of whom died fighting the war. Flowers are left near names, a report card from a grandchild rests below the section containing a grandparent who never made it home and countless unopened letters line the walkway. It's humbling.

Somewhere we got lost.

Today we're a nation going backwards with no direction. Worse, I am going to argue that we have no leadership able to find our direction. In short, we are divided and I don't see anyone capable of stepping up to the plate who can motivate, inspire and act in the best interest of the majority any longer. That's called leading.

So I have to answer Matchbox Twenty's question "let's see how far we've come" by the only response I know:

We need to look in the rearview mirror often for guidance, even if we are attempting to lead forward. Otherwise, lessons will be forgotten and mean nothing. We haven't come far at all. In fact, we've drifted slowly backwards into somewhere I don't want to be now...or ever, for that matter.

Tax is a dirty word

Well it's official - the state of Pennsylvania LOVES to tax its residents. One type of resident, however, seems to pay more than others. That resident is one who participates in 'sins,' like drinking (Allegheny County has a special drink tax to fund public transportation) smoking (currently about $2.45 per pack in PA) and gambling. MAdditional legislation is being proposed in Pittsburgh to tax gambling profits more so that the city can balance the books.

One sin flies under the radar, however, and it's actually worth examining - pornography.

It certainly makes one stop and ask why, doesn't it? After all, we're more than happy to tax smokers until they are literally blue in the face, and taxing adult beverages hasn't hurt profits or the number of drinks ordered. Doesn't it stand to reason that our society's appetite for pornography would remain consistent even with additional taxes?

Come to think of it, doesn't it make sense that the adult entertainers might actually be required to pay a portion of their hourly rate and claim 'tip' income, similar to my favorite waitress at Susie Q's?

While I'm no proponent of paying taxes, this industry has gotten a free pass too long and instead of burdening industries that are already paying more than their fair share, like bars and restaurants, shouldn't another industry shoulder some responsibility? Particularly when that industry likely serves alcohol and allows smoking?

So why don't our legislators touch this proposal with a ten foot pole (pun intended?) Only Senator Jane Orie, a Republican from McCandless, has attempted to tackle the debate so far, and she is getting no traction whatsoever.

As a free market thinker, it seems to me that our legislators are sending a clear signal that rather than stimulate the economy with tax paying businesses like restaurants, casinos, service companies, etc., they are suggesting it makes better business sense to get into the pornography industry. After all, it's basically a tax free business that has proven to be recession-proof. What kind of message is this? The industry is likely responsible for as many marital conflicts as drinking problems, gambling problems, etc., so if that's the hurdle to be classified a 'sin,' pornography definitely fits the bill.

It's got to be more than that. Perhaps our legislators have friends that run in these circles and contribute to not only their personal campaigns, but their personal entertainment as well. Who knows.

In any case, this is actually one tax I'd support completely, as it would actually legitimize the business, its participants and those who enter the darkened-doors.