And finally, my last couple of points regarding Georgia's current ban on Sunday alcohol sales by grocery and package stores. I've already summarized the gist of what's going on in Parts One and Two of this discussion, so you need to go there if you want a recap. Also, go there if you want to wade in the religious quagmire which surrounds this issue.
Here and now, though, we're gonna talk money.
It's simple. The state of Georgia is currently looking at a $2.2 billion budget shortfall. To make up that shortfall, the Governor and State Legislature are looking at serious cuts in a variety of programs, many of which are fundamental (like education). Just a couple of weeks ago, CNN disclosed that Georgia has furloughed 25,000 workers in an effort to cut costs. All this, and yet we're still staring down down the barrel of a loaded gun.
Proponents of the bill in question posit that, by allowing sales of alcohol on Sunday, Georgia will see a fair amount of additional tax revenue. Already, Georgia gets $170 million annually from taxing alcohol, and though no one is willing to estimate exactly how much revenue we could rake in by adding one day every week, some optimistic folks put it as high as $5 million.
Now even that wouldn't be enough to cover our debts and our budget, but it could go a long way to easing the pain (unloading the gun?).
One little point before I go on: it's not just the religious right (the thumpers!) who oppose the bill. Some liquor and grocery store owners also stand against it, because they don't want to have open on Sundays in order to compete. To which I say: 1) stay closed and find some way other way to attract customers on the days you're open; it can be done 2) I'm not sure how staying closed on Sunday means you can't compete and 3) free market, baby - deal.
Another point. A question, really: I'm curious how bar owners feel about this bill, since it essentially means that THEY'LL have additional competition on Sundays. I intend to ask around, find out, and report back.
And finally, back to the discussion - and, yes, back to the question of morality.
Studies have shown a direct causal relationship between poverty and crime. So as the Georgia economy suffers, there is reason to believe that this might cause an increase in crime. And sure enough, there has been an increase in crime since 2006. So, if you work to improve the economy, you might also enjoy the added benefit of less crime. And crime is essentially people acting immorally, right? You see my point.
Alright, that's enough. I'm finished with this discussion, and all I can do now is call Senator David Shafer at 404-656-0048 and tell him how I feel about Sunday alcohol sales. And should the bill go before a vote, I'll be sure and contact my Senators and give them an ear full, too.
Maybe you can do this as well? And maybe I'll see you at the pub.
Comments
This is simply another way for the moral majority, who by the way are neither moral nor the majority, to tell us how to live our lives. Georgia is smack dab in the middle of the bible belt, and as such simply MUST adhere to outdated, dogmatic ways of thinking and living. (not) I am continually amazed at two things. The desire of many of my fellow man to control how his neighbor lives, and the desire of politicians for more of my money. Oddly enough, this pits the two of them against one another.
In Jasper, GA retail sales plummet on Sundays and we've lost two good restaurants in two weeks. Everyone that has a glass of wine or more plans their meals and entertainment around the home or some other place where adults can be served a glass of wine or a couple of beers.
Meanwhile, the dig-a-lings that make this stuff up can't fund county/city services because there isn't enough revenue.
"Stuck on stupid" if you ask me.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!