Dems revive cell phone tax, want 2 percent income tax surcharge

The US Report has repeatedly predicted politicians will seek new ways to increase federal wealth and decrease Main Street wealth as our government marches toward complete centralization of power. The latest ideas are revival of a cell phone tax and a 2 percent surcharge on income tax. These ideas follow proposals such as a value-added-tax (on top of income tax).

The cell phone tax isn’t new. The Wall Street Journal said a new law in 1989 required “that company-provided wireless services be included in a worker's gross income -- unless the employee keeps detailed records showing the device was used only for work.” If you man a cell phone 24/7 at your employer’s request, there’s a target on your back. If you’re an employer, good luck with what will definitely be a nightmare of paperwork—spending hours and resources to try to stay legal with what amounts to an unenforceable law.

The San Francisco Chronicle said California Rep. Pete Stark (D) has called for a two percent income tax surcharge to pay for a government health insurance program.

Other Democrats want to tax energy, and health insurance benefits for those in certain income ranges if they have generous employer-provided health plans. President Barack Obama’s more democratic—he just wants to increase taxes for the “rich.” We all know the “rich” translates to middle and upper income quintiles. The truly rich have far more resources to battle the behemoth we call the Federal Tax code.

The Chronicle said, “Cost estimates for health reform range from $1 trillion to $2 trillion over 10 years.” But the Dems cannot agree on how to cost the plan out—they’re arguing among themselves whether to use figures from the Congressional Budget Office or the definitely friendlier White House Office of Management and Budget. Republicans did the same thing, by the way. All politicians want the friendlier figures when a pet cause is at stake.

At the moment, almost half of all healthcare spending is covered by local, state and federal governments. In addition, anyone entering this country may go to a hospital and receive medical care. Any child in the country, whether the parents have documentation or not, can be enrolled in most state healthcare plans. The border remains unsecured. Mark Levin, in his book ‘Liberty and Tyranny,’ quotes a figure from the Pew Hispanic Center: “9 percent of the population of Mexico was living in the United States in 2004.” [pg. 155]

Throughout administrations of both major parties, government has continued to grow and the current administration proposes growth on a historic level. Are we headed for that long-time religion, totalitarianism? That may sound like a far-fetched question, but think about it. We have single party rule, a heavily state-influenced branded media, government control of the economy and social issues. Government is definitely manipulating our culture—check out the Pew figure above.

As Congress attempts to broaden the federal power base to historic levels, the American worker has a target on his or her back. There’s a big dollar sign in the middle and Nanny Sam is taking aim.