LOS ANGELES - California state lawmakers are considering an unusual idea to solve the state's huge budget shortfall: Tax pornography. The idea was proposed by a state assemblyman, and would impose a 25 percent tax on the production and sales of pornographic videos -- the vast majority of which are made in southern California. It is unknown, however, how seriously lawmakers will take the idea or how the porn business would deal with the new tax. It is likely, though, that porm-makers would simply pass the cost along to consumers by making pornographic materials more expensive.
What's the one commodity guaranteed recession-proof? And what commodity will be consumed no matter what the asking price may be? If you guessed pornography, you might as well just go straight to the head of the class, because, 25% or no, dateless males will still be looking for their fantasy girls...even if the have to pay for the privilege.
Frankly, I'm surprised that this idea hasn't hit the big time previously. California has a boatload of financial problems, and taxing ponography would seem to be the political equivalent of a slam-dunk. It could be pitched to uptight, sexually-repressed Social Conservatives as as economic disincentive. It could be pitched to the porn industry as their opportunity to do the right thing. And the cost could be passed along to consumers likely with little fall out. Hey, if you need the relief that only the Vivid Girls can provide, will a 25% tax cause you to purchse 25% less porn? Yeah, right....
Pornography has morphed from a back-room business conducted furtively and cautiously into a major industry employing thousands in southern California. Why not treat the pornography business to the same sort of regressive taxes that burden other businesses? Hey, if the cultural Nazis can be convinced that it's being done to protect our children, it's a good thing. Right?? And if it helps to balance California's massively out of whack budget, so much the better.
And while they're at it, perhaps the California legislature might consider a tax on Kleenex and AstroGlide? Just a thought.... ;-)
