This is Viewpoints for Thursday, April 21, 2016

Payback time?

I have not read the legislation, sometimes referred to as Georgia’s Religious Liberty Bill. That being said, I cannot tell you if I would be in favor of it, or against it. While the bill was being considered by our governor, several veiled threats came from the bill’s opponents, who may not actually reside in our state, regarding business activities. The matter should not simply end with a veto.

Congratulations, National Football League, your actions had the desired effect. As for your Super Bowl, it really doesn’t matter where you play it. But isn’t it time for visiting members of any football team that belongs to a league, with gross revenues exceeding $5 billion, to pay income taxes to our state on a pro rata basis for a game played within our state, dependent upon the total quantity of games played during the year? Legislation could make that happen. Indeed, isn’t it time to legalize gambling for professional football games, and tax the proceeds, perhaps similar to Nevada? I assure you that gambling occurs independent of its legality.

In another sector, the quantity of movies made within our state has been growing in recent years. A number of well known producers were quite threatening in their opposition to the bill becoming law. I’m confident that the quantity of movies made in Georgia will now increase measurably, and wouldn’t it be a sign of goodwill to also increase the participation of local talent, as well as local business? I won’t address the possibilities regarding taxation and entertainment. I will say that additional sources of revenue could free the Georgia General Assembly to lower the state income tax. I shan’t hold my breath on lowering the income tax due to my fear of hypoxia.

I could go sector by sector, but I think you get the idea. I trust these considerations are not new to Georgia’s chief executive. I’m sure he’s tirelessly pursuing these opportunities. By the way, I hear that the management at PayPal Inc., is looking to open a new facility outside of North Carolina. Gov. Deal break out that state credit card and treat them to our finest public restrooms. We may soon hear the tinkling sound of money hitting our state coffers, and then we can bask in the glow of the sated faces of their new employees.

Ineffective government

Bill Haywood’s letter on bonds and economics was very informative. I know the probability of China dumping its bonds is very unlikely, but it is possible. The ratio of debt to revenue is critical. The debt is about $18 trillion and we are paying approximately 7 percent in interest. By 2017 the debt will be over $20 trillion and we will be paying close to 8 percent in interest.

Our professional politicians have established a false economy. For every dollar they receive in revenue they also have to borrow 25 cents in order to fund the government. Mandatory spending — Social Security, Medicare and debt interest is about 45 percent of the total budget. But as the debt increases, so will interest rates. By 2020 mandatory spending could consume half of the budget. This means there will be less money for discretionary spending; military, infrastructure and other requirements.

At some point if we do not start paying down the debt, lenders will demand higher interest rates. I do not know what is our economic critical point. No one has identified the debt saturation point. I do know that we cannot function if over half of the budget has to be used for mandatory spending.

Our professional politicians are recommending that Social Security and Medicare have to be reformed. There is a smart way to do this, but based on their previous efforts I am concerned they will gut these programs. If Congress does not stop its deficit spending and start reducing the debt we will soon be experiencing hard times. That is higher taxes, less services and a large ineffective costly bureaucracy.

Some debt to fund a war or pay for disaster relief is acceptable. But debt to fund an ineffective government is madness.

Elderly drivers

Ref: Editorial opinion on distracted driving. You left off a very important segment of the population, which is elderly drivers. From personal experience on different levels, I can attest to the fact that there are many elderly drivers who don’t know if it’s day or night, but they have a driver’s licenses and vehicles. Many of you know your parents are still driving and do nothing about it. The least you could do is disable their vehicles. Many of these senior drivers aren’t even aware when they hit something. You should do a follow up on senior drivers and see how many folks, 80 and older still have a drivers license. At that age, many have trouble moving legs and arms.

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 9:48 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Thursday, April 21, 2016."