No more new taxes, please
A recent essay in the NE Times by state Sen. Joe Picozzi indicates an opportunity for a new tax on “skill games” due to a court-mandated review. It could be a billion dollars a year.
I like Joe and the energy and fresh ideas he has brought to the 5th District.
I’m concerned, however, he has contracted a case of “tax-itis.” It hits all new legislative members like the flu. Every problem requires a tax increase.
We already have absurdly high taxes, like a 58-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax at the pump. Ten dollars whenever you fill up. Where is all that money going?
We have an 18 percent liquor tax imposed in 1936 to help after the Johnstown Flood. Never repealed. Why? Are they still trying to clean up that flood?
I suggest the legislature reduce the gas tax dollar-for-dollar in exchange for a “skills game” tax. That might be sensible and pain-neutral, but that won’t happen.
It is always bigger government and smaller citizen. When was the last time you saw a government tax reduced?
I have no interest in playing gas-station skill games, but I know this is a working-class hobby. Thus, any tax is regressive and punishes ordinary workers for their small vices.
Just like the city’s arrogant “soda tax” punishes lower-income Philadelphians.
And you want to take another billion dollars a year from the working-class?
Please, Joe, no new taxes until we have a full, nonpartisan yearly audit of the entire state budget. I am sure we will be shocked over how much money can be saved – and with no need for new taxes.
Richard Iaconelli
Rhawnhurst
Martial law coming
What is currently unfolding in America can be understood through the lens of the ecological “balance of nature” theory. Since its founding, our country has maintained a relatively stable equilibrium, but this stability is now being threatened by two modern “invasive species:” our current president and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence. due to greed and hunger for ever-increasing power. Left unchecked, these two forces will permanently shift our system’s original “point of balance” and destroy our delicate democratic system.
Because the American equilibrium relies on a constantly shifting harmony of competing ideological beliefs, it is highly vulnerable to this kind of disruption. The conflict mirrors predator-prey dynamics, which can quickly devolve into chaotic behavioral patterns that adversely affects almost every vestige of our democracy and threatens our global future. Fortunately, America is resilient enough to correct these imbalances internally once our population realizes that we must ultimately depend on one another. To trigger this recovery process and restore order to our political environment, we must rely on our democratic check and balance systems — most notably, our midterm elections.
But if the Democrats make a significant impact in the midterm elections and gain control of both houses they will definitely vote for an impeachment trail. Of course our president will be screaming fake so after the elections he’ll proclaim martial law with all suspension of civil liberties. He has no alternative due to the fact, in my opinion, he has much to hide concerning his many “dealings.” If he gains this unprecedented power he will gather all his Jan. 6 comrades and make them his Security Service. They will soon be known by their two initials.
Ron Farbman
Somerton
Say no to radar
With a craven desire for more taxpayers’ money, the Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill 509, arming municipal police with radar guns. Radar is 100% for the money and 0% for safety.
There is no “speeding” crisis. Pennsylvania roads have never been safer, and all without radar.
Safest Pennsylvania roads since 1928.
https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-2025-crash-report-penndot/73297210
Radar epitomizes how democracy provides no protection against politicians willing to force citizens to pay any price to boost government revenue. Foul play is fair play as long as government profits.
SB 509 is another layer of Pennsylvania’s growing kleptocracy. Few things epitomize “governing as looting” like SB 509. SB 509 provides a stark refutation to the illusion that the Pennsylvania Legislature automatically serves the people. Especially for policies shrouded in sanctimony, Pennsylvania agencies are almost always more wasteful and oppressive than the media portray. How much longer will Pennsylvania politicians be permitted to plunder drivers and subvert safety with impunity?
The House of Representatives must vote no on Senate Bill 509 and work hard for its defeat.
Tom McCarey
Berwyn
