Friends of the Buzzard,
Death and taxes, as a wise man once pointed out, are two things in life that none of us can escape. Some have come to believe that death is the preferrable one, as it doesn't get worse every time Congress meets.
Congress has met, they have voted, and on August 1st our Massachusetts sales tax increases by 25% to 6.25%. And for the first time, our fine state will levy a sales tax on beer. I quote from the Mass Department of Revenue, "Newly enacted legislation changes the rate of sales/use tax from 5% to 6.25% on sales at retail of tangible personal property, including alcoholic beverages, and telecommunications services effective August 1, 2009."
Being a bit of a liberal, a bit of a punk and liking rasberries, I say "Pffffzzzzt" to the men and women who have chosen to levy a tax on one of the few affordable pleasures left: a nice cold beer.
To mark this lugubrious occassion, Buzzards Bay says, " THIS SATURDAY...declare yourself! "
We will offer a growler re-fill at $6.99 ($6.58 plus $0.41 tax) for anyone who states, "This new sales tax bites my Buzzard." (or use your own colorful metaphor).
For those who like the new sales tax (and I know there are quite a few who voiced anger at my anti-tax emails), please simply stay quiet or say "I LOVE NEW TAXES!" and you will be levied a fee of $8.50 ($8.00 plus $0.50 tax) for your growler re-fill.
LET ME REPEAT! State clearly, "Taxation with representation ain't so hot either...I hate this new tax" and pay $6.99 on your RE-FILL. Choose to say nothing or state, "I LOVE TAXES; they are dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society!" and fork over $8.50 for your RE-FILL.
OH! And if you are a State Rep or Senator? Please present your I.D. and we'll offer you a special price of $20 ($18.83 plus $1.17 tax) for a grower re-fill. Gov. Deval Patrick? We'll honor this same price for our Governor (and his staff) as well.
Although there is a temptation to allow Congress to vote on whether you should pay more or less for your growler of beer, we'd prefer to leave the choice in your hands.
Have a nice, final 2 days of tax free beer,
Bill Russell, Harry Smith and the rest
"Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors... and miss". ~Robert Heinlein
