Politicians love to make distinctions that don’t exist in dictionaries. It’s part of the benefits of such a lofty post, caretaker of the public trust.

Miriam Webster doesn’t see it that way.

Main Entry:

user fee

Function:

noun

Date:

1967

: an excise tax often in the form of a license or supplemental charge levied to fund a public service —called also user’s fee

Main Entry:

tax

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Date:

14th century

1 a: a charge usually of money imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes b: a sum levied on members of an organization to defray expenses2: a heavy demand

During times of economic hardship fees can never be taxes, as increasing taxes play havoc with economic recovery, and increasing fees just means those that used to enjoy something – pay more for enjoying it.

With the collapse of the financial system states and business’s are struggling to find new sources of revenue to bolster massive shortfalls in traditional taxes. Bond markets remain in upheaval, and many states are prevented from using the traditional tools to secure operating revenue.

That’s where you come in.

Your house isn’t worth pizzle, your investments have been cut in half, you’re squirreling money away rather than spend it, in short – you’re not holding up your end of the economy.

You’re not patriotic.

We can expect most of the 50 state legislatures to start getting creative with the fee versus tax distinction, and those groups with little representation (anglers) will pay much more for “normal” stuff.

New York state is soliciting opinion on their new 2009 Salmon – Trout stamp, ten bucks on top of the normal license fee. Salmon anglers are likely a minority – toss “trout” on the label and you’ve got everybody having to pony up.

We’re not suggesting that wardens and natural resources aren’t deserved of protection, nor are we suggesting that state’s raise and plant trout for free.  We’re suggesting these dollars will be siphoned off into the General Fund, and spent on something wildly different than their original intent.