'I'm convinced. Let's tax the hell out of 'em'

It's thinking like this that may soon leave the Democrats in a permanent minority. These "rich" people have only so much to give before they will abandon your state, you nitwit.

Oregon officials know all about anti-tax fervor.

Over the years, voters here have capped property taxes (saddling the state with two-thirds the cost of running the schools) and passed a constitutional amendment requiring rebates whenever tax receipts come in 2% over budget. Nine times they have been asked to OK a sales tax -- and said no. Proposals to increase the state income tax? Down in flames twice.

But now the Legislature is taking a tack that analysts think could finally pull the rug out from under the tax revolt: soaking the rich.

In mail-in voting that ends today, Oregon is considering measures to raise taxes on households earning $250,000 or more and on individuals earning at least $125,000, as well as hike corporate taxes. About 39,000 of the state's 1.5 million taxpayers would be subject to the higher tax, and some big companies could see their annual bills go from $10 to $100,000.

The success or failure of Measures 66 and 67 will be a concrete test -- one of the few in the country this year -- of how willing voters are to accept tax increases targeted at those theoretically best equipped to pay them.

"These measures are the first test of a progressive solution to the recession," said Cynthia Kain, a spokeswoman for the National Education Assn. who has been working to help pass the ballot measures.

Opponents of the tax hikes warn that they could cripple small businesses and jeopardize employment in a state that has lost 131,000 private-sector jobs during the recession.

But many voters appear willing to risk that. Polls have shown both measures ahead, although one late last week showed the gap tightening.

"I'm convinced. Let's tax the hell out of 'em," said Rebecca Maxwell, a young software developer from Portland.

Maybe some day when young Rebecca grows up she'll be one of those evil rich earning at least $125,000. How much you want to bet she's singing a different tune by then?

Naturally, it's the unions that are footing the tab to try and further rape the earners.

The campaign in support of the tax increases has been financed mostly with contributions from small businesses and public employee unions -- including $1.65 million from the Oregon Education Assn. and more than $1 million from other local and national public employee labor unions.

Their unquenchable thirst for more of your money will blow up in the faces. If these measures actually do pass, good luck finding jobs when the state's largest employers begin fleeing for more hospitable climates.