We all know America was founded based on the principle of elimination of taxation without representation hence the way our states, federal govt, and elections were formulated. My question is what exactly does taxation without representation mean?
Let me explain my example:
In November 2000, Massachusetts voters voted on and passed an initiative to roll back the state income tax over three years from 5.75 percent to 5 percent, its traditional rate before the 1989 tax hike. In 2002, the Legislature overrode that rollback vote and "froze" the rate at 5.3 percent, where it remains.
So would that be considered ignoring the voters will i.e. taxation without representation?
My next example is what is going to happen in the next election here in MA as a result of the pathetic increase of 25% sales tax with no voter approval.
Boston (AP) -- When Massachusetts residents cast their ballots for governor in November they'll likely face another decision in the voting booth - whether to lower the state sales tax rate from 6.25 percent to 3 percent.
It's a question that's making those running for the state's top political office nervous.
Of the six declared candidates, only one - Republican convenience store magnate Christy Mihos - has endorsed the question.
The other five - Gov. Deval Patrick, Republican Charles Baker, independent state Treasurer Tim Cahill, Democrat Grace Ross and Green-Rainbow candidate Jill Stein - say they favor reducing the sales tax, but not all the way to 3 percent.
They say they'd be more comfortable restoring it to 5 percent, its previous level until last year.
Let me explain my example:
In November 2000, Massachusetts voters voted on and passed an initiative to roll back the state income tax over three years from 5.75 percent to 5 percent, its traditional rate before the 1989 tax hike. In 2002, the Legislature overrode that rollback vote and "froze" the rate at 5.3 percent, where it remains.
So would that be considered ignoring the voters will i.e. taxation without representation?
My next example is what is going to happen in the next election here in MA as a result of the pathetic increase of 25% sales tax with no voter approval.
Boston (AP) -- When Massachusetts residents cast their ballots for governor in November they'll likely face another decision in the voting booth - whether to lower the state sales tax rate from 6.25 percent to 3 percent.
It's a question that's making those running for the state's top political office nervous.
Of the six declared candidates, only one - Republican convenience store magnate Christy Mihos - has endorsed the question.
The other five - Gov. Deval Patrick, Republican Charles Baker, independent state Treasurer Tim Cahill, Democrat Grace Ross and Green-Rainbow candidate Jill Stein - say they favor reducing the sales tax, but not all the way to 3 percent.
They say they'd be more comfortable restoring it to 5 percent, its previous level until last year.