I was thinking this morning about the latest order from Governor Abbott which closes bars in Texas.
I was struck by the similarities between government and organized crime. Take a trip of fancy with me.
If you are in a town with no law in which you want to open a bar, you would build or buy a building and purchase some inventory. You would come up with a name, hire some people to work for you, and maybe even put up a big sign: GRAND OPENING!
You might take out an ad in the local newspaper or buy some time on a local radio or TV station announcing your business and its opening date. Man, you are excited!
The next day an old man smoking a fat cigar stops by accompanied by a shoulder striker and introduces himself as the local don. He explains you will need to pay some protection money (license fee) to do business in this town. In addition, there will be a cut of the proceeds (taxes) that will be paid to his organization (government) in order to continue in business.
Now, that is not right, is it? Wow. We need some law and order around here.
We will make the intellectual jump from the world of lawlessness and into the world of civilization and law and order.
Poof!
We are in the civilized world of law and order. Now, you are interested in starting a bar in the law-abiding town. Before building, buying, or renting a building, you must check the zoning regulations to make certain you are allowed to open a bar where you wish.
Ok, that is out of the way. Now, you must apply for tax numbers at both the state and federal governments (in some places the town, as well).
Got that done. Now, you have to apply for a license (protection) in order to do business. The mafia don does not come to collect the fee and application. Instead, it is on you to find the proper office, find out which paperwork is necessary, and to return it with the fee (protection money).
Now, you wait to be approved. Your background will be checked, and a period of time will be wasted while you wait and incur cost with no revenue. If and when you are approved, the state will send your license, proclaiming to the world you have paid your protection money and have fulfilled the requirements of the state.
Now, and only now, you can open your doors. Don't forget that all of your liquor bottles have a tax stamp, and that you deface them when the bottles are empty.
Now you are doing business. You must calculate, save, and remit your taxes as mandated by the state. Do not miss a tax payment, or the taxman (mafia don) will close you down. Make certain you remit the taxes on time, or you will be fined.
If you are too tardy, the man will order you to close your business. If you refuse, you will be raided and arrested. You will be tried in a court owned and run by the same folks that have accused you of breaking their rules.
Now to add to your headaches, you are responsible for the adults that come into your establishment and consume adult beverages. You cannot tie them up, arrest them, or confine them in any way. But if they leave and get in an accident, you are somehow responsible.
Wow, what a fun way to do business!
Now, here comes coronavirus. The governor (mafia don) decides you must close your doors. Even though you have paid your protection money and taxes (mafia cut), you are closed. No income. The costs continue, but the income stops. For how long? Who knows? What are you supposed to do to make a living?
In this case, the various governments are worse than the mafia. The mafia wants you to stay open, so they can continue to steal your money. Government steals your money and is not smart enough to leave you open, so you can pay it.
Join me at Open the States to fight this criminal activity.
