How Much Could the Government Make Off Pot?

In the midst of the worst recession since the Great Depression, many have pointed to increased legalization or decriminalization of marijuana as being an untapped resource for taxation, and a source of new small business growth and employment. It is estimated that nearly $1 billion per year could be generated in marijuana production upon nationwide legalization with a flat 10% tax on producers. This, of course, coupled with a significant drop in the cost of policing and prosecuting the use of marijuana could lead to net savings.

via blog.turbotax.intuit.com

Where is Top Secret America?

The government has built a national security and intelligence system so big, so complex, and so hard to manage, no one really knows if it's fulfilling its most important purpose: keeping citizens safe. Discover the top-secret work being done in your community via our map and search relationships within this complex world on our network diagram.

via http://projects.washingtonpost.com/top-secret-america/map/

How Much is the Government Making Off of Alcohol?

via blog.turbotax.intuit.com

This illustrates how much money individuals are being taxed to consume alcohol, and subsequently how much the Federal and State governments are generating in tax revenue. There is also a breakdown of how different types of alcohols are taxed in the various states, as well as international comparisons — to put thing in perspective. Some of the figures may be surprising. What do you think?

How Much is the Government Making Off of Tobacco?

via blog.turbotax.intuit.com

It’s no secret that the government taxes our spending– in fact, sales tax is one of the main ways that the government brings in money. But there are a number of other items that have their own additional taxes imposed, whether at the state or federal level. And, when it comes to cigarettes, the consumer pays both. Would it be right to call this a tax on one’s vice, or sin? While blog.turbotax.intuit.com don’t claim to be any moral authority, the figures and statistics are quite interesting.