A Christmas (anti)miracle!

[iiipopes]

Free drinks, good tips, and possibly a cab ride home...if it weren't so far away, I'd be in!

[lgb&dtuba]

I sing in a professional caroling quartet and our gigs are WAY down this year. At least 5 times a year we get requests from country clubs for free carolers. Some of them have the nerve to say, "Don't you just want to spread holiday cheer?"

Last year, from Thanksgiving to New Years, we had 17 paying gigs for a total of 30 hours. That was a GREAT year. This year: 3 gigs for 7 hours. It is REALLY hurting the finances this year.

We found country club gigs to be the absolute worst from just about any way you look at them and just don't do them any more (unless they cough up serious money).

[iiipopes]

We found country club gigs to be the absolute worst from just about any way you look at them and just don't do them any more (unless they cough up serious money).

OK, after the ribbing above, I must agree. But, a few years ago, I was in the band that played country club gigs. Of course, the bandleader had several members of the different clubs in the area as clients, so, of course, the gigs really did pay well, and yes, in addition, they did tip well.

[TubaRay]

If these people are well-off, why are they wishing to pay nothing? Because their taxes are going up next year?

Are their taxes going up? Why? Do you know something I don't? And, if their taxes are going up, are you implying the "well-off" do not feel any effects from increases in taxes?

[eupher61]

I have a "Oktoberfest at Christmas" gig, paying cash with food and drink. I only have 3 other Christmas season gigs this year...

[Carroll]

My quartet was contracted to play New Year's Eve by one dance club. When we got a call to play another, we had to turn them down. They have now joined up to party with the other club... double pay for the same gig. Yeah!

[OldsRecording]

If these people are well-off, why are they wishing to pay nothing? Because their taxes are going up next year?

Are their taxes going up? Why? Do you know something I don't? And, if their taxes are going up, are you implying the "well-off" do not feel any effects from increases in taxes?

Not any more. President-elect B.O. is now saying that the "spread the wealth" tax increase might not happen until 2011. How quickly he changes his tune.

must.... resist....must....resist

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Meine Damen und Herren...
Politisieren ist verboten!!!

[iiipopes]

Taxes may be foundational to the maintenance of a democratic republic, but the discussions as to what kind of taxes, how much to tax and how to raise them, and most of all the discussions as to the application of the tax dollars to what aspects of government or society are the most contentious political issues out there.

[OldsRecording]

Taxes are politics?
Perhaps you know something I don't. I thought taxes were something that were brought about by the 17th Amendment and were supposed to be eliminated............
but I guess that's obviously wrong.

This is the 17th Amendment.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.
When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

Obviously.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Taxes were requisitioned by the 17th Amendment...Facts are facts.

Yes, they are. But your assertion is not a fact but rather an error.

Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution gives the Congress the power to tax, but it specifies that those taxes must be uniform throughout the states. The 16th amendment is probably the one you are thinking of...it specifies that the Congress may tax income, and that said tax need not be uniform. This amendment laid the groundwork for the "progressive" income tax we now know and love. Here is the text of the 16th amendment:

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

The text of the 17th amendment is quoted above. As you can see, it doesn't deal with taxes in any way.

Facts are, indeed, facts.

[tubatooter1940]

Listen guys, I need a crew to help me paint my house.
Volunteers will have to show up in paint clothes because I'm not furnishing any. Instant Nescafe coffee and finger food will be available.
However while you guys are rolling and brushing I will play my tuba for you and play you some really cool Christmas music on the big stereo.
I promise all the people who drop by to visit on that blessed day will be of good cheer and fun to talk to.
I will furnish "Natty Lite" beer to all after the painting and cleanup is done and there is a distinct possibility of folding money for a tip.