Framing the tax on scofflaws

It's opponents call taxation of gambling a "tax on stupidity."

Municipal reliance on traffic fines could be called a "tax on scofflaws."

Heavy taxation on tobacco is a "tax on addiction" and on alcohol is a "sin tax," the latter two engaging the government in collusion with producers in exploitation.

Heavy taxation on gasoline could be regarded as a tax on working away from home.

All of these are regressive ways to finance government and several are much favored by liberals.

But not the second which, associated in liberal discourse with racism and police violence, is now referred to exclusively as "shaking down the poor" by its authors.

Here's a sample.

Shaking Down Poor People Is Tied To Police Violence