Bush Seeks Higher Airline Security Fees

[hadrons]

WASHINGTON - A fee charged to airline travelers to help pay for airport security would more than double under President Bush (news - Web sites)'s spending proposal for the Homeland Security Department.

Bush's plan calls for boosting the security fee from $2.50 to $5.50 for a one-way airline ticket and from a maximum of $5 to $8 for multiple legs. The hikes are expected to generate $1.5 billion.

Debby McElroy, president of the Regional Airline Association, criticized the proposal as taxing an industry that already carries one of the highest tax burdens.

"This could put further pressure on airline revenues at a time when many carriers are struggling for their very survival," McElroy said.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050128/ap_on_go_pr_wh/homeland_security_8

So when a tax not called a tax ... when its a fee

[Be Brave]

1. Fuck him! What is he doing with my tax money?

He cuts taxes and then tells airlines to increase their fees? Fuck him!

[VegasWolf]

2. Well, thanks to awol, the filthy rich have plenty of money for the

increased fares. I think awol will give an exemption
for those paying full fare first class tickets, though.

[Orangepeel]

4. this IS a tax!

what the hell is the difference between a fee and a sales tax? It's called a tax when you buy gas or when you rent a hotel room. It's a tax when you charge it on airline tickets, too.

Scream it from the rooftops. George W. Bush wants to raise our taxes!

[jazzjunkysue]

3. Fees, not taxes. Freedom, not occupation. Life, not murder. Tyrants, not

WMD's. Planted, not accomplished, thousands of Iraqi voters, not millions,

[HuckleB]

5. Fees are regressive taxes.

Another part of the ultimate Bush plan has been unveiled.

:grr:

[VegasWolf]

6. Shhh! You'll confuse the Republicans. n/t

[donheld]

7. Could this be considered a tax

I'd say he's raising taxes on travelers.

[BadGimp]

8. Homeland Security Tax = let's call it what it is

He is spending so god dammed much on his illegal war in Iraq that there is not enough left to defend the homefront.

Tell everyone you know the president is creating Homeland Security Taxes!!

[jburton]

9. Well, this person is full of it...

"Debby McElroy, president of the Regional Airline Association, criticized the proposal as taxing an industry that already carries one of the highest tax burdens. "

===
Hey, I don't love the proposed increase, but give me a friggin' break! The "industry" may be burdened, but it is also heavily subsidized and frequently bailed out by the govt.