One of the great things about a free market system is that you are free to make money in whatever way you want. Granted, some business models and occupations aren’t entirely legal. Nevertheless, putting dollars in our bank accounts is largely unhindered by government means — that is, if you don’t live in Philly.
Bloggers big and small have a new $300 Business License staring them in the face. The issue is highlighted by one Marilyn Bess and her Green Living blog. The city of Philadelphia has labeled Marilyn’s blog, MS Philly Organic, a money maker, and have deemed her $50 profit over the last two years as reason enough for the $300 license. Obviously, Marilyn’s blog is not a business. Marylin herself doesn’t accept it to be either. But that doesn’t matter. Regardless of how small the profit, the city wants in.
The city of Philadelphia is acting out in a ridiculous manner. Basically, it’s nothing more than that infectious feeling of entitlement seeping into every pore of cash strapped governments. But the real kicker is that governments big and small will screw over the little guy all day and long into the night with tax after tax, yet the office holding officials continue issuing themselves pay raises year after year. Broken? Yup. Stupid? You bet. Yet another example of the clear lack of common sense within government.
Source:
WashingtonExaminer
CityPaper
