Haven’t forgotten about the Amusement Tax, have you?
Good. ‘Cause neither have I.
I’m going to bang out a couple-hundred words here about “Selective Enforcement”.
Wikipedia defines it as follows:
Selective enforcement is the ability that executors of the law (such as police officers or administrative agencies, in some cases) have to select who they want to enforce laws against. The use of enforcement discretion in an arbitrary way is referred to as selective enforcement or selective prosecution.
Historically, selective enforcement is recognized as a sign of tyranny, and an abuse of power, because it violates Rule of Law, allowing men to apply justice only when they choose. Aside from this being inherently unjust, it almost inevitably must lead to favoritism and extortion, with those empowered to choose being able to help their friends, take bribes, and threaten those they desire favors from.
Walking a fine line here, I understand. On one account, it’s not my job to inform Steven Ketterer (Tax Collector of the City of Harrisburg) what promoters are charging admission to events and which ones aren’t.
But at the same time, there are venues in this city that operate for profit (thereby qualifying for the 10% shake-down) that do not pay this tax.
In fact, I know of one venue who used to pay the tax- but when ownership of the venue changed hands, their checks began getting sent back to them. Indication that for some odd selective reasoning, they no longer had to contribute.
Meanwhile, the City Tax Collector sends a copy of my monthly marketing ad with events that we charge a cover for highlighted.
Is this fair treatment?
Or is this, as Wikipedia defines it, boderline Tyranny?
Note to Harrisburg City Council- This is the first of many examples I’m going to be giving you as to why you must reform this tax.
Thanks for listening.
