Taxpayers’ Nightmare Before Christmas

After the November election taxpayers may have reason to believe that Santa has left them with little more than a lump of coal. But despite the challenges we as a nation face let’s remember we still live in the greatest country in the world. So with that positive thought please enjoy a Holiday Poem for California Taxpayers penned (mostly) by our talented Director of Legal Affairs Tim Bittle.

And of course Merry Christmas to all!

Taxpayers’ Nightmare Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the state

taxpayers were dreading their impending fate.

Their stockings were hung by the chimney with care

in case in ’13 these became their last pair.

For the money to buy things from food to new socks

was raided last month at the state ballot box.

Students who thanks to the governor’s threats

had fears of tuition hikes dance in their heads

deluged the polls to vote their self-interest

along with those who by the unions’ big warchest

were convinced that Prop 30 would buy them a truce

with those who raise taxes to reduce their abuse.

But reducing abuse is not in their nature.

And now with two-thirds in the State Legislature

on the Capitol lawn there arose much a clatter

to amend Prop 13 to make government fatter.

"We’ll split the roll first to make businesses pay"

they cheered as more businesses left or gave way.

"And we’ll lower the threshold to pass parcel taxes.

Then once the roll splits and the threshold relaxes

We’ll turn our attention to Prop 218

so when cities want more voters can’t intervene.

As contracts for government workers come due

we’ll increase their pensions and benefits too.

Next we’ll raise prices on Cap and Trade auctions

pass public-paid health care and other concoctions!"

Their eyes how they twinkled! Their dimples how merry

as they introduced bills they will send up to Jerry.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly

when they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky

So the bill pile grows with big government dreams

all paid with new taxes and revenue schemes.

Soon the Golden State’s wealth o’er a bullet train whistle

will all blow away like the down of a thistle

while the people exclaim as it drifts out of sight

"Why did we vote thus? Good heavens! Good night!"

Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association; Tim Bittle is director of legal affairs. HJTA is California’s largest grass-roots taxpayer organization dedicated to the protection of Proposition 13 and the advancement of taxpayers’ rights.