August 11, 2010

Set the Entire RI Economy Afloat

Justin Katz

May I make a somewhat obvious point — coming from a conservative — about the recent conversation concerning tax-free boating in Rhode Island?

The tax policy has also helped the state rebuild the ranks of highly skilled boat workers, and has triggered the creation and expansion of boat yards, designers, builders and subcontractors — who specialize in such fields as electronics, sails and marine insurance, he said.

The benefits are not solely Aquidneck Island's, either; owners fly in and out of T.F. Green Airport, rent cars, dine in restaurants and attend shows in the Providence area, he said.

According to Neil Downing's article, Rhode Island is forgoing about $8.4 million dollars, out of its $7 billion budget. Can you imagine what our economy would look like if the state and local governments would forgo more? A government should be a secondary consideration (if that), in society, not the primary determinant of its economy and life. By making itself more central, governments suffocate the very people they ostensibly seek to assist.

Comments, although monitored, are not necessarily representative of the views Anchor Rising's contributors or approved by them. We reserve the right to delete or modify comments for any reason.

"A government should be a secondary consideration (if that), in society, not the primary determinant of its economy and life. By making itself more central, governments suffocate the very people they ostensibly seek to assist."

Justin. In your world, what should be first and then second and then third. I think you should explain yourself.
I like that government is the prime determinent. Because I do not want mob rule. I do not want religious rule. I do not want BP RULE AKA the big private sector boss. Of all those bosses I would take the government boss. Because with the government boss, at least an individual has a voice, a weapon, a vote, a jury of their peers.

Posted by: David S at August 12, 2010 6:47 PM

Your own response indicates that you agree that the government should not be primary: The individual is prior to the government, with the latter serving the former. With regard to various social institutions, they all have inherent power — religions through existential beliefs, businesses through economic influences, academia through a presumption of deep knowledge — and in a social context, they should all filter their power through individuals, who are free to place them in whatever order they prefer. The idea is to keep those sources of power independent, and independently powerful.

Choosing the one institution that we permit police and taxation power as the hub for social action is certain to bring us to a place in which you'll find that you only have a voice, a weapon, a vote, a jury of your peers when you agree with the government.

But the point of my post is that it's a very suspicious thing when that taxing institution insulates itself from economic hardship on the claim that the financial well-being of its employees is a matter of economic survival. Very convenient.

Posted by: Justin Katz at August 12, 2010 7:52 PM
Post a comment









Remember personal info?

Important note: The text "http:" cannot appear anywhere in your comment.