New York City's Tax on Movies

Anyone living in New York City knows that Governor Paterson is proposing all sorts of taxes to raise much-needed revenue to balance the budget. Hey, nobody wants to pay any more than they have to, and obviously people are going to be ticked off. I, for one, cannot claim to be thrilled about the tax hikes, but part of me understands that Mr. Governor has to do what he has to do.

But here's where I get a little ticked off: Among the proposals are tax hikes for movie tickets and sporting events. The New York Post had an article detailing a Manhattanite's budget, showing how all the taxes will add up to over $1000 a year, including her "entertainment" tickets, which would rise from $800 to $876.

Sorry, but I don't feel bad for this woman who can't see as many Broadway shows. Since when was going to a Knicks game one's God-given right? If it's too expensive, don't go! It's not like food or shelter, that you have to have. When I was single I had money to burn, so I went to Mets and Yankees games, gritted my teeth when I had to pay $22 to sit in the loge section, but I chose to go and pay. Nobody put a gun to my head telling me not to go.

Since then I got married and for all intents and purposes, stopped going. I had better things to spend my money on, and if I were that desperate to see a game, I watched the game at home. And you know what? I'm none the worse for it.

I don't hate the owners for charging an arm and a leg for a ticket. They own the team, it's their right. I can choose to not go. And if more people did what I've done, the prices would drop. But if they can fill a stadium charging what they charge, would it not be foolish for them to charge less? And the same goes for the movies and Broadway shows. They choose what they can get away with. You can always watch a movie at home either on TV or on DVD. Yeah, it's not the same, but the idea that you HAVE to go to these places is stupid.

As far as I'm concerned, let them tax away at these things. It's no sweat off my back.