Don't you think adding more taxes to people who are already struggling is a bit harsh. Animals especially dogs can be a source of great joy for people. There is enough dogs at the pound as it is because people are losing their houses.I hope your joking.

The ownership of dogs is a luxury. If you can afford a dog, then you are not struggling. However, people who are dependent on government programs that have been cut, are struggling. Without your taxes, we cannot afford these much needed government programs. These people need these programs, while you do not really need a dog.

You propose a tax on dogs. Sometimes dogs and cats are all that get elderly people up and going from day to day. Dogs give back what they are given, love, loyality, devotion. The things are children need to learn more about. You want to tax dogs, so people don't lose their homes and cars. Then how about taxing large screen TVs? Why do you need larger than a 20" television? and the electricity they use to run, that would also help out energy crisis. Put a heavier tax on restaurant food, why not cook at home. I would imagine that those people losing their homes and their cars would understand your feeding your dog more than your purchase of the newest electronic gadget on the market.

I certainly appreciate your suggestions. I say tax the televisions, the electricity, the food, and especially the dogs.

I also agree with you that dogs give back love, loyalty, and devotion. Only loving dogs would allow children to ride them like a horse. President Johnson's dogs showed their loyalty to the President of the United States and also their patriotism by allowing him to pick them up by the ears. They did not bite him nor run away. They knew that the President needed this much needed relaxation and distraction from the toils of office and the presidency.

So people with useful dogs, who perform phenomenal service to their masters or to the community, should be given a tax exemption, provided that there is proof of the value of the service.

Incidentally in that connection, elderly people should be knocking on doors or phone banking to help our candidates get elected and to make democracy work. They should not sit around all day with their pets. If they do, then I say tax them as a penalty for their lack of community service.