From the VOMITORIUM
From time to time there are some things that happen in the political world that can be best described as a………..BLOWJOB! And now it has Florida on its knees…..(pun intended)
It seems that Florida’s governor, Charlie Crist has a new idea:
Gov. Charlie Crist authorized property appraisers Wednesday to calculate lost real-estate values caused by the Gulf oil spill, so homeowners and businesses can send the tab to BP.
The governor signed an executive order authorizing property appraisers in 26 counties under threat from the oil spill to give property owners an updated assessment on their homes and businesses if they believe they have lost value because of the spill. Property owners could use the document to file a claim for damages against BP, although they wouldn’t necessarily have their tax bills lowered.
“It is logical to predict that the oil spill will result in declining property values,” Crist said at a news conference. “Businesses and families of the Gulf Coast did nothing to warrant this loss, but they bear the burden of it.”
State law requires property to pay taxes based on the value of their property in January. But in many cases — particularly for hotels and businesses dependent on the beach — their property values have dropped as much as 30 percent since then.
His action drew approval from some affected property appraisers, although staff time and cost of reappraisals will be tough on cash-strapped counties.
This is a helluva idea, right?
This is just plain stupid! It is just another political ploy to gain votes in Crist upcoming election against Rubio. This will probably never happen….why? Florida has suffered much from the economic meltdown…how does one prove that the oil spill is the cause of loss of value?
If you read my stuff you know that I think that BP should be held accountable for their damage because of the oil spill….but this idea is just plain moronic…..does that mean that I can sue AIG or Goldman-Sachs for the loss of value of my property because they gambled with my money?
This is all so much political theater….after all, he has an election to win.
Of course it’s political theatre – I’m no legal expert but even I know you cannot claim damages for NOTIONAL loss – you could only claim if you have sold at aloss of money on the best available price – and (as you pointed out) you could prove that the specific cause was the oil spill. Do these jerks know nothing?
However (admittedly probably kicking, screaming, whining like a spoilt child and as reluctantly as possible) BP WOULD pay – IF the politicians kept their f*cking noses out of things they don’t understand and simply supported the claimants morally and (if necessary) financially where appropriate! End of!
This type of crap makes me sick and leads me to believe that the system needs to be re-tooled.
I’ve been telling everyone the system needs that for ages – well more like start again with a green field operation actually – it certainly needs a really serious rethink and redesign at the very least.
We seem to always agree on that point…..this whole system is screwed….we need a new approach that is more equitable for all…
Of course it is all theatre… Let’s get the people mad at BP rather than him. What I don’t understand is why do they just give them a tax cut since it is clear that they are going to be “over paying” their taxes. He is a republican after all. 😈
Dead right!