Friday, July 27, 2007

Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division -- DEFENDERS OF PUBLIC MORALITY

I've gone through a bit of an apathetic spell in regards to my blog. I've said all that can be said, and more, about vouchers and haven't really had anything else that I've cared to write about. I'm trying to come back.

This story was a bit over the top. The Utah State Tax Commission has taken up a fight against a merlot Mercedes owner on account of his personalized license plate "MERLOT". The state's arguement in this matter, "merlot is an alcoholic beverage, and the state refuses to have alcohol promoted on its licenses." Nevermind the fact that the car's color is in fact called merlot, the state somehow finds that any reference to a (fairly mild as I understand) alcoholic beverage harmful to the general public. Initially I thought this was just a complete bizzare occurance, "the guy must have pissed off someone during a tax audit, or something".

However, this morning the subject came up during an appointment with one of my tax clients and this client actually had a similar experience with the Utah State Tax Commission. In another state they had a friend with the license "WHO TOOTED" on the family car (in reference to tdigestive function) when they moved here the attempted to get the same tags and were denied. The reason they were denied is (according to the DMV worker) there is a list of words and phrases that cannot be used in connection with personalized tags "tooted" apparently (according to the State of Utah) is a slang term for snorting cocaine. I'm curious if anyone has tried to get the phrase "ASSMAN". This is absurd. I was pretty opposed to Mayor Andersen's rhetoric about Utah being a Taliban-esque theocracy, however when it comes to the Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division I have to concede the point to the Mayor.

PS I recommended the client try again, and when denied I have gldly offered to fight the case. Anyone else have this experience?

7 comments:

Misty Fowler said...

I saw another story along this line recently. It's a really sad state of affairs.

adamf said...

Good post. People get so bent out of shape over these trivial matters like a license plate and all too often neglect more important things. Like health care. I know if I saw a swanky Mercededes with "Merlot" plates I would want to go out immediately and drink myself silly.

This is right up there with the MPAA thinking that anytime someone is "glamorously" smoking in a movie it's automatically rated "R". Dang those glamorous smokers (and Benz-driving wine bibbers). They're corrupting our youth.

pramahaphil said...

LOL. I feel the same way

Andy Ellwood said...

Hey man, you have to check out www.politic20.com tonight. They are hosting the most interactive political event to date and anyone can be a part of it! I can't believe that the Salt Lake City mayoral candidates are willing to actually go one on one with unedited voters!

Anonymous said...

Green Jello, I have found getting envolved with governments in utah, that those making decissions are transplants from other states.

For what ever the reason a native born utahn cannot get hired, unless one of their family is all ready in the system.

However most young people born in utah move away because they cannot get a job with government or anyone else because they were born in utah and those hiring are from out of state.

Anonymous said...

Green Jello, I didn't mean to be anonymous. And since I am back let me run this by you'all.

Let drivers from out of state that move to utah keep their license plates from what ever state they moved from.

Just add a sticker that indicates they have met the registration requirements for utah, taxes are paid etc....

This way when some jerk cuts you off or upsets you with their driving, you will be able to determine if it is in fact a utah driver or a transplant.

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