Gas tax, Tribal Gas Stations and the Democrats

[no_uh]

I challenge any of you who are chapped by this to explain to me how this hurts anyone other than the mom and pop owned gas store across the street from the rez. The only possible argument I can see someone making is that the state could potentially lower the tax rate if tribes weren't partially exempt. BUT, we all know this wouldn't happen because our state government is run like a failing business and deep in the red. Business is business, and the tribes are just operating like one, taking advantage of any tax rebate or refund available. Just because something benefits only one group of people, doesn't mean it hurts the remaining group. In reality, we are all benefiting from this law because it gives us an opportunity to buy cheaper gas at the pump. The fact of the matter is that tribal lands are sovereign. If you don't believe they should be, that's another issue all together.

If you want to be mad, be mad at the state for charging us a high tax on gas in the first place. They are too bureaucratic to run efficiently, and those currently in charge believe that higher taxes are the answer.

I'd also like for someone to explain the difference between this and WA state waiving sales tax for out of state visitors from OR and AK. No different IMO.

 

[no_uh]

There was an article recently in the Ellensburg paper about the Yakima Nation starting to issue their own plates. Yes it is happening and it read that they would not pay any state or fed taxes if i am not mistaken. Seems like they shoudn't be allowed to drive on the highways then.

Sooo, by this logic, none of us should be allowed to drive across any state borders, much less into BC? The only reason this would be a problem is if the state was eating the cost to make the plates.

 

[no_uh]

Hey guys,
Bottom line is that the tribes have bought the law makers and governor bi*^h, everybody here should have the same treatment pay the same taxes. wonder why you can't gamble on line, they made it illegal so you would go to the casinos. Why anybody would go give there money to the wagon burners? don't get it.

Actually, until a couple weeks ago, you could gamble online. Betting on sports is still available online. The feds just shut everything down due to tax evasion issues. Has nothing to do with casinos. Wynn was in the middle of a huge deal with PokerStars worth billions which completely dissolved thanks to Barry, Holder, and company.

 

[XtremeSpeedShop]

I think all you need in this argument is the Mom and pop gas stations,that justifies action right there. Go open a business that puts food on the table then lose everything because a tribe owned station can under cut you into the ground. Funny how it's no big deal if it only screws a few people, beat if it was your pay check you would care a little more

 

[xpspenziv]

In my most sincere, serious voice, could you please elborate on what people don't get?

Tax breaks like them. Special privileges, fishing and hunting rights.
It's in are heritage to hunt whales. Well we did it once and it was too much work and we used modern equipment. Man were not going to do that again. Why do they get to use gill nets and we don't? Oh ya and for weeks before the season even opens.

 

[diamonddave]

I challenge any of you who are chapped by this to explain to me how this hurts anyone other than the mom and pop owned gas store across the street from the rez. The only possible argument I can see someone making is that the state could potentially lower the tax rate if tribes weren't partially exempt. BUT, we all know this wouldn't happen because our state government is run like a failing business and deep in the red. Business is business, and the tribes are just operating like one, taking advantage of any tax rebate or refund available. Just because something benefits only one group of people, doesn't mean it hurts the remaining group. In reality, we are all benefiting from this law because it gives us an opportunity to buy cheaper gas at the pump. The fact of the matter is that tribal lands are sovereign. If you don't believe they should be, that's another issue all together.

If you want to be mad, be mad at the state for charging us a high tax on gas in the first place. They are too bureaucratic to run efficiently, and those currently in charge believe that higher taxes are the answer.

I'd also like for someone to explain the difference between this and WA state waiving sales tax for out of state visitors from OR and AK. No different IMO.

Actually we all do NOT benefit from Tribal Fuel stations selling gas cheaper. What will soon start happening as more and more tribal stations open, is an overall reduction in gas tax revenue collected by the state. What will happen as more and more people buy fuel from these stations, is the state will then have to raise the percentage of the state gas tax to compensate for the lost tax revenue.



Bottom line is the people who don't partake in the cheaper gas sold by the tribes will end up paying more from the lost revenue and stations owned by Non-Tribes, that are in close proximity will get stung.


The idea for the Tribal stations isn't being abused by the tribes, it's being abused by Non-Natives.

What is real ironic is the amount of people that complain about the Native American's yet I constantly see the Casino's are ALWAYS busy, smoke shopes are busy, and now their gas stations are busy.


I have no problem with the Tribes being allowed to do what they wish with the exception of their fishing practices I've witnessed many times with my own eyes. But, if we're going to hold things like the Constitution and Bill of Rights sacred, then we have to live with the results of treaties, etc. signed in years past.

 

[4Z]

Good points Dave.

I just don't like the government picking the winners and losers.

no_uh, you are right this state is being run like a failing business. Unfortunate that we keep the cycle going each election.

 

[ruffryder]

Actually we all do NOT benefit from Tribal Fuel stations selling gas cheaper. What will soon start happening as more and more tribal stations open, is an overall reduction in gas tax revenue collected by the state. What will happen as more and more people buy fuel from these stations, is the state will then have to raise the percentage of the state gas tax to compensate for the lost tax revenue.

Excellent points. That is the same issue with increasing MPG... results in a decrease in fuel tax. IMO, fuel taxes should be gone away with, as well as the sales tax, and we should have an income tax. It would be less volatile to economic swings as compared to sales tax.. off topic I go, sorry.

What is real ironic is the amount of people that complain about the Native American's yet I constantly see the Casino's are ALWAYS busy, smoke shopes are busy, and now their gas stations are busy.

Same as people complaining about loosing jobs as they shop at Walmart. People always forget that the biggest vote they can ever place, is with their dollar. Everytime you spend a buck, you are voting with it.

But, if we're going to hold things like the Constitution and Bill of Rights sacred, then we have to live with the results of treaties, etc. signed in years past.

agreed

 

[no_uh]

I think all you need in this argument is the Mom and pop gas stations,that justifies action right there. Go open a business that puts food on the table then lose everything because a tribe owned station can under cut you into the ground. Funny how it's no big deal if it only screws a few people, beat if it was your pay check you would care a little more

honestly, yes, it's a damn shame, but it's no different than home depot or walmart putting any small business out. It's the way it works, and I have a hard time being pissed at native americans about this.

 

[4Z]

honestly, yes, it's a damn shame, but it's no different than home depot or walmart putting any small business out. It's the way it works, and I have a hard time being pissed at native americans about this.

I respectfully disagree. The government didn't give a huge advantage to the big box stores in comparison to the issue at hand. In the case of Lowe's and HD it is capitalism not favoritism.

 

[no_uh]

I respectfully disagree. The government didn't give a huge advantage to the big box stores in comparison to the issue at hand. In the case of Lowe's and HD it is capitalism not favoritism.

Pretty much all big businesses hire lobbyists and elite accountants/lawyers to help them get out of their tax liabilities. I don't think the mom and pop stores usually have the same resources and tax breaks.

 

[XtremeSpeedShop]

honestly, yes, it's a damn shame, but it's no different than home depot or walmart putting any small business out. It's the way it works, and I have a hard time being pissed at native americans about this.

Im not pissed at the native Americans at all, hell take what you can get! Im pissed at our corrupt government. Walmart is a product of all us us showing up to there store spending money, we are the cause of that problem! I have no problem being put out of business from a company that can deliver more than I can and at a cheaper price if its on a level playing field.

 

[ruffryder]

if its on a level playing field.

Is it ever a level playing field? Isn't the point of capitalism to make in not level so you have the advantage?

 

[XtremeSpeedShop]

Is it ever fair? No, should you try your best to give everyone a level playing field? yes. Imagine if you were playing baseball and the move the home run fence in a 100 feet for another team lol Now if your smart enough to recruit the best players, practice hard and can win more power to you!

Any just because you ride a yamaha dont think you get a head start! lol

 

[skibreeze]

I sell for a living, in every single appointment, all I want IS an unfair advantage.