Eat in Tax?

In recent months I have noticed several changes in the local community. The economic news we have been receiving is unlike we have ever seen in the past. Bank failures, stock nose dives, automaker bailouts, etc. etc.

Most of the changes locally are positive. There seems to be more of a focus on customer service. You know the simple little things like "thanking you for your business", "being polite", "helpful attitude" and so on.

I think people are finally "getting it" that people buy people before they purchase a product. I find this very good news indeed. Now, I must add that my community is a pretty friendly place overall, but I have noticed that it has stepped up a notch.

Notwithstanding the above, I noticed something recently that I think is new, but perhaps I just hadn't noticed until yesterday.

At the request of one of our agents I agreed to stop by one of the local fast food venues to pick up her and our receptionist some ice cream. (I won't mention the name of the franchise but I hope "Ronald" is listening).

After finishing my errands I went into the restaurant and decided I would grab a quick sandwich and eat it there before getting the ice cream to go.

The cashier took my order and handed me my receipt. Now, I am pretty good with numbers and the total seemed slightly hire than what I expected. I glanced at my receipt and noticed the following:

Eat in Tax: $.50

Well this irritated me. I have a keen awareness that many business are stuggling to make a profit or in come cases even to stay open. But an "eat in tax?"

Is $.50 going to change my life? Of course not. But, with a list too long to mention here, I pay taxes for a lot of things, e.g. gasoline, federal, social security, telephone, auto registration, groceries, household good, and so on. (Now I have to say that being the State of Texas I am fortunate enough not to be subject to a state income tax!).

But being charged a "tax" for a paper placemat and plastic tray just crosses the line as far as I am concerned!

What do you think?

Good morning from Coppell, Texas!

Just me saying ...

Rick