Tax grabs

I guess tax grabs are good things if it helps the environment.

Most java junkies polled are in agreement with a recent proposal by a Toronto city councillor to levy a 30 cents tax on every non-recycled coffee cup and food container.

Glenn De Baeremaeker said the works department proposal will be voted on by city council this fall and if passed would impose a tax on companies using non-recyclable or Styrofoam containers and other in-store packaging after a certain date.

"Millions and millions of coffee cups go in the garbage every year," he said yesterday. "I would be glad if we didn't have to tax anyone."

Sitting on a King St. E. Starbucks patio last night, Mark Nguyen said he was all for the idea as long as it isn't just a "tax grab."

"If it is a tax grab I'm against it. But if it is to help the environment, I'm all for it," said Nguyen.

Thirty cents a cup tax on coffee? Wow. Those Canadians don't fool around.

The old Huey Long story is that he says to you, "We're not going to tax me. We're not going to tax you. We're going to tax that guy over there sitting under that tree".

The way they heard the story in Canada is "We're just going to tax all you dumb sonsofbitches".