I can remember when sales tax was simple: any item that wasn’t necessary for human existence had a six percent sales tax on it in my state. Food, soap, laundry detergent – not taxable. Soda, candy, fabric softener – taxable. I also remember when the first “sin” tax was instituted on beer and wine. Bart Simpson t-shirts sprouted up everywhere, and the little imp threatened with the phrase, “No one taxes my beer!”

Sin taxes are commonplace now, but a group in New Mexico is trying to take them even further. The Rio Grande chapter of the Sierra Club has garnered significant support for their cause. They want state lawmakers to create a No Child Left Inside Fund with a one percent tax on TVs, videogames and videogame equipment. The fund would help pay for outdoor education throughout the state. Supporters of the tax, the first effort of its kind in the nation, say outdoor programs have been shown to improve students’ abilities in the classroom, boost their self-confidence and teach them stewardship and discipline.

While this might be true, let’s look at the issue logically. If a parent can afford a few hundred dollars for a gaming system, a couple grand for the big screen and sixty dollars a pop for the games, I think they can handle the fifty dollars for the little league program or a couple hundred for a week at summer camp. Where’s Bart Simpson when you need him?