The Rep [1] proposes a tax on porn with the proceeds used to eliminate the sales tax on groceries. Hilarity ensues. Michael Silence has the roundup [2].

Sounds silly, but I suppose it isn't any sillier than my idea from a while back to tax video games and fast food to help fund education and health care.

Except with my idea, it would be easier to identify what to tax. The Rep doesn't seem to have done much, uh, homework on his porns.

First, he isn't clear on how much porn there is to be taxed. He says in this KNS article [3] that the "bill is in the process of being researched." Heh. I imagine it is. No, wait. I'd rather not imagine.

He also says "Movies with an 'R' rating or lower would not be taxed, but those with an X rating would."

Perhaps The Rep isn't aware that the MPAA rating system is voluntary, and that only a handful of major studio releases have ever received an 'X' rating (and most of those went back to the editing room).

The adult film industry does not submit their movies to the MPAA for rating. Instead, they made up their own "XXX" rating. We can't wait to see The Rep's definition of "XXX" in his proposed legislation.

Anyway, publicity stunt legislating is hard work, y'all.