I would like to respond to Dean Radford’s recent commentary about the new Washington liquor law/taxes (“Liquor doesn’t deserve obvious spot in our everyday lives”, Reporter, June 22).
He implies that he doesn’t like seeing vodka and whiskey on sale near the chips and other items. I would suggest just pass by and don’t complain. I don’t like seeing cigarettes, pasta and carrot juice, but I just walk by and don’t complain.
People and families are affected by alcohol in some way. It boils down again to personal responsibility. Some make very bad choices.
My wife and I have one or two cocktails at home every night. After a busy day, it is very relaxing to sip and talk with each other on our patio. We don’t argue or change personalities. We drink responsibly. It brings us closer together.
Radford didn’t mention the new high taxes on liquor in this state. I’m sure these were bestowed on us for voting the state out of the business. At a local store recently, we saw a 1.75-liter bottle of vodka, base price $11.50, and in small print, plus taxes. There is a $3.77 “liter tax” equalling $6.60, and a 20.5 percent “liquor sales tax” equalling $2.36. So now there is a 78 percent tax on this bottle, bringing the cost to $20.46.
We will not fall victim to these outrageous taxes.
California and Nevada can sell the same vodka bottle for about $10.50, plus a 4-5 percent sales tax.
It’s high time the voters also throw out these Washington tax-and-spend politicians. As I always say, “Charity begins at home.”
– Richard Schurk
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