Reader comments
'Nudity tax' challenged
101 comments | Read story
Fair enough!! | 2:21 a.m. June 4, 2008
I totally support a nude tax, especially if it is set high enough to ensure that
my mother-in-law never, ever takes her clothes off even in private!!!
Bob G | 5:11 a.m. June 4, 2008
The intent of the law is what should have the most considerations. It's
back to the old badly written laws being interperted word for word instead of
the intent. Intent of a law is always a part of the law but overzealous
prosecutors seem to have this inate sense that the word is the real intent. Law
makers and writers need to reinfoce the intent of the law so that it is clear to
any that read it. This new interpertation of a law is a clear attempt to rewrite
the law to suit their financial needs. Laws should be written so that their
should be no doubt to misinterpet or have other interpertations. Simplicity and
concise wording in laws makes for the best laws. And laws should drop any
references to vague Latin interpertation as we are an English speaking naiton
and the english dictionary not the Latin dictionary should have precedence in
its interpetations.
Comments continue below
Dito | 6:14 a.m. June 4, 2008
The Government is infringing more and more on the people
Can you believe the State is taking money from these places and there fore being a part of the action?
Can you believe the State is taking money from these places and there fore being a part of the action?
I agree Rich | 6:55 a.m. June 4, 2008
That missionary store that sells white shirts and ties, then you have those kids
come and want to talk religion while I'm working in my yard.
Video stores, fast food, banks, all create negative externalities, and should be taxed.
But they are not.
This is a tax on not wearing clothes, and the right of a consenting adult watching another consenting adult taking their clothes off... No guns, no Drugs-- yet taxed, and as Former Chief Justice John Marshall once said, "The power to tax is the power to destroy."
It's a way to get those sily non-conformist riff-raff out of Utah.
They smile and invite you to church, but vary one degree, they make sure you are not welcome.
Video stores, fast food, banks, all create negative externalities, and should be taxed.
But they are not.
This is a tax on not wearing clothes, and the right of a consenting adult watching another consenting adult taking their clothes off... No guns, no Drugs-- yet taxed, and as Former Chief Justice John Marshall once said, "The power to tax is the power to destroy."
It's a way to get those sily non-conformist riff-raff out of Utah.
They smile and invite you to church, but vary one degree, they make sure you are not welcome.
Re: Rich | 7:07 a.m. June 4, 2008
Strawmen galore, but no real argument.
IMO | 7:49 a.m. June 4, 2008
It is clear that the social benefit derived from a such miserable business that
involve nudity is clearly a negative. Porn destroys families. Ask anyone who was
an addict and lsot thier family, job and house. There is no such thing as safe
and responsible use of porn for it is a raging addictive substance that will
drag all that dabble with it.
That having been said TAX THOSE MISERABLE NUDITY ORIENTED BUSINESS OUT OF BUSINESS! If they feel the taxes are too high perhaps thier customer base should pay hiher pricer. And if thier customer base feels the prices are too high...oh well guess they'll actually have to go find some decent entertainment.
That having been said TAX THOSE MISERABLE NUDITY ORIENTED BUSINESS OUT OF BUSINESS! If they feel the taxes are too high perhaps thier customer base should pay hiher pricer. And if thier customer base feels the prices are too high...oh well guess they'll actually have to go find some decent entertainment.
Mike | 7:52 a.m. June 4, 2008
I have to agree with "Rich" on this one. This "Tax" on a
select few mentality is just one of many reasons I've decided to Move out
of Utah.
In the state I'm moving too. There is no sales tax. Basically what funds the new state i'm moving too is Property Taxes, cigarette and Gasoline taxes.
Imagine this going to Wal-Mart and buying a Fifth of Jack Daniels at half the price i'd have to pay here in Utah that applies to every type of booze.
No sales tax on food and clothing either.
Although I don't drink, I do eat and buy clothes. I'm going to save a ton of money. 22 days and counting and i'm outta here.
In the state I'm moving too. There is no sales tax. Basically what funds the new state i'm moving too is Property Taxes, cigarette and Gasoline taxes.
Imagine this going to Wal-Mart and buying a Fifth of Jack Daniels at half the price i'd have to pay here in Utah that applies to every type of booze.
No sales tax on food and clothing either.
Although I don't drink, I do eat and buy clothes. I'm going to save a ton of money. 22 days and counting and i'm outta here.
Capt. Video | 8:17 a.m. June 4, 2008
What about companies like Comcast that offer adult channels like Playboy, or
adult Video on Demand, etc.?
They offer full frontal nudity almost 7X24, including things you could never see it a "club" in Utah.
They offer full frontal nudity almost 7X24, including things you could never see it a "club" in Utah.
Anonymous | 8:22 a.m. June 4, 2008
Thanks Rich.
Great ideas!
Let's raise taxes on all of the mentioned entities!
Signed,
Your local legislator.
Great ideas!
Let's raise taxes on all of the mentioned entities!
Signed,
Your local legislator.
Sarah | 8:39 a.m. June 4, 2008
They knew the law before they decided to open up a strip club, but they chose to
do it anyway, when they could have opened up another type of business that
wasn't subjected to the law, and now they're complaining about it?
Sorry, I have no sympathy.
Johny Fairplay | 8:42 a.m. June 4, 2008
That was funny Fair Enough!!
It amazes me | 9:10 a.m. June 4, 2008
Everything is always brought back to the predominate religious group in the
state. Talk about narrow mindedness. People can have an opinion; its as
simple as that.
State Earning Sex Profits | 9:39 a.m. June 4, 2008
Glad to see the state has a vested interest in this business and earning revenue
from it. Wonder how much they earn per year from these types of businesses.
Probably enough they would be opposed to ever to shut them down because they
don't watn to lose the revenue. Can we say DIRTY MONEY!!
ME | 9:43 a.m. June 4, 2008
IMO seems that you have a self control problem! Please get help for your
addictions. I can see how the theatrical performances can cause porn issues,
NOT! Selective taxation by an out of control government.
Re:All supporters | 9:52 a.m. June 4, 2008
You all have weak arguments against these taxes, that to an intelligent person
makes you look less sophisticated. Most of the arguments you offer can be
applied to all taxes of any kind. Mike says he is moving to a state that only
taxes �Property Taxes, cigarette and Gasoline
taxes.� and this is better because? If the tax goes to
benefit the same group? There is much more to refute your arguments but not the
patience or time. Your just upset because you might be taxed because your
argumentation is so exposed :)
Nebraska | 9:56 a.m. June 4, 2008
Mike,
I moved from Utah to a state that didn't have sales tax on food. Many commodities were cheaper. If you think you are saving money, you will be disappointed.
Our auto insurance doubled since alcohol was easier to get and so there were more DUI accidents. Gasoline cost more since the gas taxes were higher. Property taxes are outrageous! But... at least we don't pay taxes on our food.
I moved from Utah to a state that didn't have sales tax on food. Many commodities were cheaper. If you think you are saving money, you will be disappointed.
Our auto insurance doubled since alcohol was easier to get and so there were more DUI accidents. Gasoline cost more since the gas taxes were higher. Property taxes are outrageous! But... at least we don't pay taxes on our food.
Vices | 10:04 a.m. June 4, 2008
Vices can and should be taxed because of their negative impact on society.
me | 10:43 a.m. June 4, 2008
re:all supporters when you become intelligent we the ignornant might listen! a
typical neo-con comment.
Tax The Churches | 10:54 a.m. June 4, 2008
It's about time they start paying for the damage they do to society.
Taxation=Legal Plunder | 10:54 a.m. June 4, 2008
Though I'm completely against pornography, and the slimebags that create it
or participate in it, I'm pretty sure that this is just another scam to
take more of our property from us. That's pretty much what every tax is.
A scam to take what we have earned and give it to somebody else who has not
earned it and has no legitimate claim to it.
Also... | 10:56 a.m. June 4, 2008
The vice of the pornographic content has a negative impact on society, but the
idiots who would go to see something as ridiculous as this production have a
more widespread negative impact on society. They're actually out there
mingling with normal people.
Anonymous | 10:57 a.m. June 4, 2008
Uh-oh!
Why do I smell a return of Gayle Ruzika in the works?
Why do I smell a return of Gayle Ruzika in the works?
IRS | 11:04 a.m. June 4, 2008
I think it's a GREAT idea to tax businesses and corporations I don't
like. We should also move to tax PEOPLE I don't like. Everything I
don't like needs to be taxed HEAVILY. It's only fair. They've
been very taxing on me.
RL | 11:07 a.m. June 4, 2008
If there are extra taxes on cigarettes, so what if there is on nudity? I think
it's funny. If you want to contribute to negative, you can pay for it.
Simple. And talking religion doesn't even compare dudes... nudity and
missionaries are not even remotely in the same category. One is down right
offensive to the majority of the community, while one is just simply annoying to
a minority, and all you have to do to get them to leave is politely say,
"no thanks." Unlike solicitors, they don't vandalize your
property for saying no. So get over it.
AnyOtherState | 11:13 a.m. June 4, 2008
It's funny to read comments implying that Utah is the only state to tax
these types of businesses. Anyone ever hear of the "entertainment
tax" in Sin City? Same idea, same type of tax...all in the name of
"what happens here stays here".
Tax Ice Cream Consumption | 11:12 a.m. June 4, 2008
Ice cream is making adults and children fatter. This is having a negative impact
on our society, as it contributes to obesity and Type I and II diabetes.
Something must be done quickly to protect us from ourselves.
Fredd | 11:19 a.m. June 4, 2008
What kills me on this issue is the sexual predators are your friends and
neighbors. I have repeatedly read that the vast majority (90% ?) of molestors
are trusted members of the molestees circle.
Flibbermajibit | 11:24 a.m. June 4, 2008
All you guys are weird. I don't get this story anyway. so they are taxing
people to put nudity in their movies? somebody answer me! I don't get it so
you can't even take your clothes of at home? well you can I know that cause
that would be gross we would wear the same clothes every single day cause we
couldn't change. And the police would take a picture of what you are
wearing, and if it is different the next day that means you changed in secret,
so you have to go to jail.
Don't tax my fun | 11:26 a.m. June 4, 2008
Sounds like the people who frequent this type of "entertainment" are
upset about having to pay extra for their vice.
All the more reason to tax nudity. Maybe the added cost will cause a few of them to find more worthwhile entertainment to enjoy.
Something they could take their kids along to enjoy with them.
All the more reason to tax nudity. Maybe the added cost will cause a few of them to find more worthwhile entertainment to enjoy.
Something they could take their kids along to enjoy with them.
A Thought ... | 11:39 a.m. June 4, 2008
Notice how the religious majority wants everything taxed that they disagree with
but want tax exemptions for "their" valued items (children, etc.).
Why shouldn't all businesses pay the same rate, just as a lot of taxpayers
would be happy if everyone paid the same rate also.
re:Vices | 11:41 a.m. June 4, 2008
What is getting up early on a beautiful day, putting on a white shirt and tie
and sitting in a three hour block listening to someone else tell you how to
think once per week anything other than a vice?
To me, it is: A defect; a fault; an error; a blemish; an imperfection.
Tax it too, and I'm happy.
And:RL
"...nudity and missionaries are not even remotely in the same category. One is down right offensive to the majority of the community, while one is just simply annoying to a minority, and all you have to do to get them to leave is politely say, "no thanks.""
Nudity is how God sent you into the world, while imposing your beliefs on others is very offensive... Try telling a missionary politely "no thanks" (Which, by the way, works at a strip club).
To me, it is: A defect; a fault; an error; a blemish; an imperfection.
Tax it too, and I'm happy.
And:RL
"...nudity and missionaries are not even remotely in the same category. One is down right offensive to the majority of the community, while one is just simply annoying to a minority, and all you have to do to get them to leave is politely say, "no thanks.""
Nudity is how God sent you into the world, while imposing your beliefs on others is very offensive... Try telling a missionary politely "no thanks" (Which, by the way, works at a strip club).
Re:me | 11:47 a.m. June 4, 2008
your fallicious response proved my point thanks (almost looks like I wrote to
prove the point)
Anonymous | 11:47 a.m. June 4, 2008
Uh-oh!
More fodder for our neocon moralists.
The holier-than-thous will be coming out of the woodwork.
More fodder for our neocon moralists.
The holier-than-thous will be coming out of the woodwork.
William | 12:00 p.m. June 4, 2008
Common decency is not a religious issue, it's a social necessity. Being
closed minded and blaming such things as this on the "religious
majority" exploits the weakness of your argument. Take the issue for what
it is, an attempt by the Legislature to control the amount of socially
distasteful behavior portrayed in our communities.
Jimmy | 12:01 p.m. June 4, 2008
Given that not everyone shares a common set of values, the truly fair thing to
do would be to tax all entertainment businesses in the same way so a strip club
and a store that rents family friendly movies get the same treatment.
Disclaimer: I am LDS. I do not believe that the Victoria's Secret catalog is pornography but choose not to spend time flipping through its pages. I believe that there are a number of missionaries doing work for the LDS church that are offensive and cross the line when talking to the public but figure part of the problem is with their maturity and experience level dealing with people. I don't go to strip clubs, use post-dated check loans, drink beer or shun my non-LDS neighbors as is the common trend here in Utah County.
Disclaimer: I am LDS. I do not believe that the Victoria's Secret catalog is pornography but choose not to spend time flipping through its pages. I believe that there are a number of missionaries doing work for the LDS church that are offensive and cross the line when talking to the public but figure part of the problem is with their maturity and experience level dealing with people. I don't go to strip clubs, use post-dated check loans, drink beer or shun my non-LDS neighbors as is the common trend here in Utah County.
neocons like to define all | 12:08 p.m. June 4, 2008
William wants to define what is "distasteful" and what is not.
This is a typical "do-as-I-say" conservative value.
Nobody wants to live under a Big Brother style of government that neocons are pushing for in the land of the free.
This is a typical "do-as-I-say" conservative value.
Nobody wants to live under a Big Brother style of government that neocons are pushing for in the land of the free.
Curt | 12:21 p.m. June 4, 2008
Studies have never proven that strip clubs and porn are destructive. They have
proven that excessive amounts of porn can be harmful. If watching these things
did what some of you claim then the majority of the US population would be what
you claim. Look up the percentage of Americans that have seen porn or been to a
strip club it is pretty high, even here in Utah. Excessive amounts of anything
is bad. Excessive eating any food is bad, excessive locking doors is bad (ocd)
excessive working is bad, excessive amounts of religious activities is bad when
you ignore other parts of your life. Freedom should not be taxed. I think
being a mormon is destructive to our society and so does most Americans so maybe
we should start taxing Mormons extra because the majority of US citizens think
it is harmful to the community.
bILL | 12:23 p.m. June 4, 2008
Please add the same tax to ice cream and TV movies about high school musicals.
One has the secondary consequence of making my wifes butt big and the other is
making my children dumb.
Re: A Thought ... | 12:38 p.m. June 4, 2008
"Notice how the religious majority wants everything taxed that they
disagree with but want tax exemptions for "their" valued items
(children, etc.)."
imagine, valuing children over pornography.
There's a reason one is called a vice and one is called a blessing.
imagine, valuing children over pornography.
There's a reason one is called a vice and one is called a blessing.
Brian | 12:44 p.m. June 4, 2008
This is just another way to tax someone from the cradle to the grave. It is
hard to tax an infant, but they are born naked! This way you can tax 10% of the
Dr.'s fees. Ingenious!
This is why im voting Libertarian.
This is why im voting Libertarian.
Zacko | 12:46 p.m. June 4, 2008
Despite any personal feelings about the morality of what goes on at strip clubs,
bars or clubs the fact remains that government is stepping in and being
oppressive.
This is an age old argument in this country, where do the rights of private property owners end and the rights of the public begin?
We all are subject to these infringments on our rights with our cities and towns legislating everything from what our yards have to look like to how many dogs we can own.
It is time to stop name calling and set aside the morality of this issue and see it for what it is, an infringment on our rights as property owners.
Even though it may sound outrageous, what will be next? A special tax on fast food and hotel rooms? Wait, they have already done that.
This is an age old argument in this country, where do the rights of private property owners end and the rights of the public begin?
We all are subject to these infringments on our rights with our cities and towns legislating everything from what our yards have to look like to how many dogs we can own.
It is time to stop name calling and set aside the morality of this issue and see it for what it is, an infringment on our rights as property owners.
Even though it may sound outrageous, what will be next? A special tax on fast food and hotel rooms? Wait, they have already done that.
Depraved | 12:49 p.m. June 4, 2008
Most of the arguments against taxing nudity simply reveal the depravity of the
authors. In their world, there is nothing moral or good, just wanton desires to
be acted upon with any restrictions.
Channeling tax revenue to programs to help them overcome their vices is the act of a caring society, although most of those caught in the vice are too blind to see that.
Channeling tax revenue to programs to help them overcome their vices is the act of a caring society, although most of those caught in the vice are too blind to see that.
Anonymous | 1:02 p.m. June 4, 2008
And of course one of the "conservative values" is not wanting larger
government sticking their noses into people's lives. "But THIS is
different" the far-righters will whine.
M. Allred | 1:03 p.m. June 4, 2008
Somebody explain to me, without guile and heavy cynicism, what a neo-con is?
30 days | 1:14 p.m. June 4, 2008
That distinction for over/under 30 days is pretty crucial I guess. How?
@ Brian | 1:23 p.m. June 4, 2008
Yeah, vote libertarian, and then just get taxed @ 90% so big brother can take
care of you. They just take a bigger slice of the pie right off the bat!
RangerGordon | 1:24 p.m. June 4, 2008
A neocon is somebody who says they love "limited government" too much
to support public education, public transportation or universal health care--and
yet thinks there's nothing wrong with warrantless wiretap surveillance of
U.S. citizens.
In other words, a neocon is a person who uses words that sound as though they're inspired by tried-and-true conservative principles in order to deceive the Republican base, but is actually motivated by personal greed and a frightening set of evil values at the expense of the good of the country.
In other words, a neocon is a person who uses words that sound as though they're inspired by tried-and-true conservative principles in order to deceive the Republican base, but is actually motivated by personal greed and a frightening set of evil values at the expense of the good of the country.
Too much | 1:26 p.m. June 4, 2008
The government already takes too much money and gives way too little in return.
I'm not for pornography, but I'm hardly ever for the bottomless pit
that is our government reaching their hands deeper into people's pockets.
Wake up! The government takes more and gives less! Have a problem with their
programs/services? Too bad! No customer service or control on how the act
exists, they are the all mighty all knowing government. Less $ to the government
= less power for the government.
Curious | 1:27 p.m. June 4, 2008
Utah and its population (all sects, sexes, & sizes) seems to be obsessed
with nudity. Does this tax affect the naked woman from Sandy? How about the
elderly nudist from St. George? If a show which includes nudity runs for 29.5
days does it have less secondary negative repercussions than one running for 30
days? Oh, the agony of such trivial trials.
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Seriously, I think that no legal business should pay a higher sales tax than any other business. Otherwise, what's to stop a governmental body from charging, say, a 50% tax on businesses it doesn't like, such as a Christian bookstore, a foreign book club, a Spanish newspaper, a gun or hunting club, a billiards parlor, a hang gliding company, etc.?