From Turley comes an idea that will put a serious dent in overwhelming taxes.  You know how they have all that great equipment on the shiny red firetrucks?  Well, they just got a new toy to add to the mix, a credit card machine. 

The tough economic times are producing some highly questionable revenue measures by cities and states. One of the most problematic is the growing trend for towns, cities, and counties to charge citizens to use of police or fire services in emergencies. At least 24 states have such laws on the books and private contractors are pushing for every state to allow them to collect from crime and fire victims.

“Yes, Ma’am.  We see that you’re pinned under your car.  Will that be Visa or Mastercard?”

Part of this movement is being pushed by private contractors who want a percentage of the take from collecting reimbursement from victims. They generally demand 10% of the cut. While Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Tennessee have banned “crash taxes,” other states have proven ripe for this sale’s pitch and citizens are being hit with demands for payment for assistance that was historically viewed as an essential government service. Indeed, the whole principle of taxes was to fund common necessities like schools, police, fire, and other basic services.

Now I realize that many will find this concept horrible, a disgrace.  If we can’t expect government services to be there for us in times of need, then why would we want government at all?  But that’s such a short-sighted view.  Think customer service.

“Up against the wall…”

“I’m sorry, Officer, but I don’t care for the way you’ve addressed me and have no intention of paying for this arrest.  From now on, I’m afraid that I will have to insist that another officer handle all my arrests.”

“Uh, I apologize.  Is there anything else I can do for you today?  Thank you for using the Metropolitan Police Department. Have a nice day.  Would you mind filling out this survey…”

The possibilities are endless.  Just consider the fun you’ll have contesting your credit card bill at the end of the month.  They charge you and you charge them right back.  How cool would that be?

Seriously, this is what comes of capitalism run amok.  From certain perspectives, the idea that spreading the cost of common necessities, whether police, fire or education, presents fairness issues.  People without children still pay school taxes.  People in quiet peaceful suburbs pay for the police who patrol inner cities.  People in ranch houses pay for ladder trucks.  Why should I pay, some ask, when it doesn’t help ME?

The answer is too obvious for lengthy discussion.  The fundamental concept of the common good means that we, as a society, sacrifice a little for the benefit of the whole.  An educated society helps everyone, so we all pay for it.  There just isn’t need to explain this much further.  But then, how do we explain those states that enable private contractors to perform public functions at a direct charge to the users?

It would appear that our elected officials, with their vast knowledge of civic responsibility, have latched on to an idea that panders to those who put dollars ahead of people.  When one’s focus is limited to the electoral process, and one’s constituents have no greater understanding of government than does their favorite candidate, laws like these with superficial appeal tend to make candidates very popular.

Until your house catches on fire.  Sorry, sir, but we don’t take American Express.