Taxes?

[Jim K]

The President has proposed having the FCC impose a tax on cell phones, the money to be used to provide internet service to schools. Congress would not have to act, the President will do it all by Executive Order. Seem harmless?

Regardless of whether the cause is good or not, I believe this is the first time a president has asserted the authority of the Executive to impose a tax without Congressional approval. The President will undoubtedly use the cheap trick of accusing anyone opposing his orders of denying an education to poor children, so he may get away with it.

Note, though, that if the President can put a tax on cell phones without a law allowing it, he can impose a tax on anything, in any amount. So one day you might go to buy a new revolver and learn that there is a $50,000 federal tax on handguns, or a $25,000 tax on rifles. Maybe only $10,000 on Joe Biden's shotgun, but he can well afford it. And maybe $1000 on each round of ammunition.

So watch out for this one, guys, it is very, very dangerous.

Jim

P.S. The taxes in the NFA are in the LAW, passed by Congress.

Jim

 

[Tommygunn]

I thought President Clinton had made all the schoolrooms internet ready.
That was back in the 1990s.
What the --??

 

[TennJed]

Interesting

 

[Ryanxia]

I thought adding new taxes was something that has to go through the regular channels? If not wouldn't Obama have already instituted a huge tax on ammo/guns/etc?

 

[Jim K]

I think this is a trial balloon. If he gets away with it, there is no limit on the way he can use the power to tax for any reason. For example, he could impose a trillion dollar tax on each political party and then waive the tax on the Democratic Party.

Jim

 

[tomrkba]

Only Congress has the power to tax unless they have delegated a particular tax to the Executive. Even then, it would be limited by statute. If he does it without authorization from Congress, he must be impeached and removed from office.

 

[Jim K]

But does that rule apply to the current President who has repeatedly said that he plans to bypass Congress whenever and however he wishes?

Jim

 

[medalguy]

Only if they can manage to keep that power. Congress has all the power to make laws, right? Then how is Obama able to delay certain portions of Obamacare? The law says the employer mandate SHALL begin on a specified date. If he's able to change this law, he can get away with changing ANY law that he wants. Watch out, here it comes.

 

[Ryanxia]

Only if they can manage to keep that power. Congress has all the power to make laws, right? Then how is Obama able to delay certain portions of Obamacare? The law says the employer mandate SHALL begin on a specified date. If he's able to change this law, he can get away with changing ANY law that he wants. Watch out, here it comes.

I admit my knowledge is a bit rusty but I believe it's still a system of checks and balances. A law needs to be approved by all three braches; president, senate and house of reps? (I'm ashamed I don't remember the whole system lol). The executive order is just how the existing laws are implemented.

 

[JShirley]

I believe this is off-topic. I am closing until one of this
forum's mods has a chance to review.

John