August 21, 1999 | One would hope as the residents of Arlington, TX, go about back to school shopping they fondly remember Governor
Bush. Or when they get their cars repaired. Or have clothes cleaned. Or buy just about anything, as almost everything is subject to a sales tax. When George W. was an owner of the Texas Rangers, he was
helpful in getting Arlington's good citizens to pay a little more in sales taxes. This was the only way, you recall, that it was feasible to build The Ballpark in Arlington.
So, Bush's consortium
secured a gift of property from the city and was able to persuade Arlington's voters to increase the sales tax and keep the Rangers happy in Arlington.
When The Ballpark became reality, the value of the
Ranger franchise skyrocketed. Shortly thereafter, George W. sold his stake, pocketed $14 million or so and left for Austin.
It must comfort him greatly to know that single mothers buying things for their
children are still paying (and will be for years to come) the sales tax which made Dubya $14 million. Compassionate conservative and all, you know. Yep, that deal absolutely had to have a taxpayer subsidy to
be successful.
And surely Dubya frets about the fairness of the huge tax break given his Rainbo Lake property. You folks out Athens, TX, way do not mind subsidizing Dubya's playground do you?
What ever happened to welfare reform?
