European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 29, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                . Has been taxing All the wrong Mike Royko Quot of that president Bush and most members of Congress agree that taxes have to be raised the Challenge is to do it while offending the fewest number of voters. Or to sock it to those who  vote for you anyway. That wont be easy since any tax that generates More pocket Money for the government is going to hit a lot of people. Some congressmen Are whispering about raising the tax on gasoline. They re whispering because it is so politically dangerous. A even though our gasoline prices Are among the lowest in the world because the tax is moderate politicians quake at the thought of angering motorists the trucking lobbies travelling salesmen and millions of others who drive for recreation or in their jobs. We could have a National sales tax but that a considered unfair to the poor and the Middle class because a hand to Mouth family would pay the same tax on a loaf of bread As Donald t Rump. And Donald Trump probably trims off the crusts. Then there Are the always popular so called a sin Quot taxes which could be slapped on cigarettes and liquor. Since i occasionally indulge in both products in be always resented referring to them As a sin taxes. I know of nothing in the Bible although i m sure some fundamentalists will enlighten me that says it is a sin to have an occasional snort or to puff a cigarette in one of the dwindling places that Haven to been made smoke free zones. On the other hand adultery is considered a sin by most religions. So Why the resin taxes arc discussed done to they consider putting a tax on anyone who checks into a Motel for what is crudely called a a noon Era for that matter in the electronic age All divorce court proceedings could be punched up on a computer. Those divorces that involve infidelity adultery and other Hanky Panky could be slapped with a sin tax. Although in be never been Able to persuade politicians of the Wisdom of my idea in be Long favored a stupidity tax As Well As an obnoxious tax and a pain in the neck tax. A stupidity tax would be levied on people who phone the police and say things like a my husband came Home drink again and is breaking the furniture and throwing his empty Beer cans at the to the husband would pay a tax As would the woman who is stupid enough to remain married to the lout. Or take the fans of a baseball team such As the Atlanta braves the new York Yankees and for Many years the Chicago cubs. Anybody above the age of 21 who pays to watch these teams has to be considered just a bit dim. So a stupidity tax should be tacked onto the Price of the ticket. If we want to really raise a bundle through a a stupidity tax lets Start a National lottery which is the stupidest bet that can be made. Among the obnoxious and pain in the neck taxes that could be imposed would be on Purchas ers of Boom Box radios and bumper stickers of any kind. But let us return to the so called a a sin taxes. I done to understand Why they Are limited to nippers and smokers. As it is smokers have become so self conscious and ashamed that Many of them now sneak into the bathrooms of their own Homes to avoid the condemnation of their spouses and children. Yet nobody suggests a sin tax on those who Are overweight. And any doctor will Tell you that being overweight is a health problem besides that people who arc overweight use up More than their share of the Earth a precious resources. They eat More food require More fabric to cover their bodies take up More space wheeze More air and add extra weight to the Earth a crust which probably contributes to earthquakes. If cigarettes and liquor Are to be taxed then everybody should be weighed each year. And for every Pound Over the Ideal they should pay $ 10. Why some politicians would wind up paying their own salaries. And imagine what someone like William a the refrigerator Quot Perry would contribute to the Public Good. Finally we should rethink our position on children. I like children but in be never understood Why people should be Able to take a deduction for them. They Cost society a bundle for schools and playgrounds and Many of them turn into Little Nastiest so instead of granting a deduction there should be a tax added for those who have More than the break even Point of two. While nine kids can form their own family baseball team does anyone really need that Many to feel assured of immortality anyway those Are a few. Of my Revenue enhancement ideas. I Hope they give some of you something to think about. Or scream about. That Sok. My assistant answers the phone. Tribune my Dia Servlia Centrepiece contents Klaus Herfert and other weekend Vul unters Are raising a Castle from ruins. Reporter Ron Jensen and photographer Jim Derheim Check in on their Progress pages 6 and 7. Everyone tikes getting letters but fewer people Are writing them. Page 5. Back Home. 2 l a those who tax our patience stateside views. 3 Light look at what s almost news observations. 4 a suggestion and a plea for help Trade fever sweeping . Home front.5 letter writing a dying Art How is . Reacting to changes in Europe books 8�?9 one Gritty one flighty look at Vietnam James j. Kilpatrick rules on complaints science and the wori.d.10 tracking Down a killer meteorite at a glance Italy Odds amp ends. 11 7 he sense behind Exchange rates miss manners and Horoscope last laugh .12 Dave Barry cartoons from around the world sex Pilot Layne Heath uses his Vietnam experience in a novel about the War. Page 8. Sunday is a weekly supplement of the stars and stripes. Editor John Taylor Art director Sharon kurday production Lisa Williams Doiniso Adams Page 2 c sunday july 29, 1sso