In April most people focus their tax fear and loathing on Washington. But in truth, it’s local government taxes and related exactions—particularly in cities— that are now taking a growing share of our incomes. Local government revenues in this recessionary climate are hurting badly. And when they hurt, we feel their pain...
The Local Taxing Lurker
In town and city stores and streets
A tax collector lurks;
He’s there to take his nibble
Where you parks or shops or works.
His hidden cam’ras tag you
If you try to beat a light,
And a ticket for jaywalking
He will issue day or night.
To litter now is criminal
And for this vile crime,
You may not end up in jail
But you’re sure to pay a fine.
To get your trash collected
Before it makes you gag,
There’s a special service charge
‘Cause he bills you by the bag.
God help the reefer smoker
That one's really gonna pay,
The lurker twicks and tweaks the law
And his house then takes away.
The lurker stiffs poor helpless devils
Who require his inspections,
And imposes fees and fines on stays
In the big house of corrections.
There’s no way to avoid him
This ubiquitous bezerker—
He’ll nick and pick and stick you,
He’s the local taxing lurker.
****** |
