NY Introduces "iPod Tax"

Proving yet again the problems with trusting un-elected officials in office, NY Governor David Patterson has introduced a huge set of new taxes in his 2009 budget, including a so-called iPod tax.

Trying to close a $15.4 billion budget gap, Paterson called for 88 new fees and a host of other taxes, including an "iPod tax" that taxes the sale of downloaded music and other "digitally delivered entertainment services."

One can only assume the Governor has not been paying attention to Apple's stance on such taxation in the past. If the governor expects Apple to collect this tax, he may be surprised and simply see Apple stop doing business with all IP addresses in the State. We'll see if New Yorkers stand for this first-of-its-kind special tax on their music.

NY Governor still possible out for Hillary?

A little while back when Elliot Spitzer admitted his affair, I suggested that perhaps this offered a way out for Hillary Clinton from the Presidential race. Leaving the race to take over as governor of New York State would be a way to save face and not have to consider herself the loser of the primary. And it would solidify Democratic control of both a major state and (perhaps) the White House. But, this idea wilted on the vine in light of the accolades for the first minority, disabled governor of New York was widely lauded by Democrats.

But now, things are a-changing.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080325/ap_on_re_us/ny_governor

Governor Patterson has had to admit to multiple affairs, drug use, and other criminal acts. None (yet) have been lethal to his fledgling political career. But it may only be a matter of time before New Yorkers have had enough and either call for impeachment, or drive him to resignation. If so, it opens another possible window for Hillary Clinton to exit the race without declaring defeat. Who knows?

Then again, Senator Clinton has not yet shown the ability to recognize an opportunity to retreat.

Lou Dobbs on NY Drivers Licenses

Lou Dobbs of CNN has an excellent commentary up on the fiasco that is the new New York Drivers license plan. For those of you not paying attention, New York state's Democratic governor released his plan that will now allow illegal immigrants the ability to get driver's licenses. The plan basically sets up a 3 tier system with licenses that have different privileges. Pretty much every important election official agrees that this will enable rampant voter fraud in New York. Also, there is little infrastructure in place to check that people already have a drivers license before issuing them a new one. This plan is a disaster and hopefully the Republicans will be able to use this to get Eliot Spitzer out of office at the end of his current term.