Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 28, 2005)
| Global update | Today Saturday Sunday High: 52 High: 51 High: 55 Low: 40 Low: 37 Low: 36 Precip: 80% Precip: 80% Precip: 20% IN BRIEF Lawmakers look to tax facelifts; fabulous cry foul OLYMPIA, Wash. — Nip, tuck and ... tax? Lawmakers trying to plump up the bottom line are considering a "vanity tax" on cosmetic surgery and Botox injections in Washington, Illinois and other states. Plastic surgeons and their patients say the idea is just plain ugly. "It makes no sense. Where does it stop — massages, facials, teeth clean ings?" asked Karen Wakefield, 51, who has had a nose job, dermabrasion, li posuction, tummy tuck and breast lift, plus a little Botox here and there. "Even having a baby is elective surgery," added Wakefield, an event planner in Woodinville, Wash. "Why not tax that, too?" The Washington state senator who proposed the tax said she has never gone under the knife for beauty, but wouldn't rule it out. "I, too, look in the mirror and see my mother," said Seattle Democrat Karen Keiser, 57. But she thinks cos metic surgery patients can afford the state's 6.5 percent sales tax. She wants to earmark the money for poor children's health insurance. "We could do Botox-for-babies parties. It might be the new thing," Reiser said. "Anyone who can af ford the money for cosmetic proce dures, I don’t think they would be deterred by a little sales tax. You pay it on your lipstick." The tax would not apply to recon structive surgery for, say, burn vic tims or women who have undergone mastectomies. In September, New Jersey became the first and so far the only state to tax plastic surgery, at 6 percent. The tax is projected to bring in $25 million a year. In Illinois, the state comptroller has proposed a 6 percent tax on cos metic surgery to create a stem cell re search institute. If the Legislature ap proves, the question could be put to the voters in 2006. In California, the very capital of cosmetic surgery, such procedures are tax-free. The cosmetic surgery tax is a cousin to the "sin taxes" many states slap on drinking, smoking and gambling during tough budget times. "In this anti-tax climate, these user-based, selective tax proposals are more palatable than broader ones," said Bert Waisaner, tax policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons frowns on this new wrin kle, calling New Jersey's law a "dangerous precedent." Seattle surgeon Dr. Phil Haeck noted that 86 percent of cosmetic surgery patients are women. — The Associated Press Palestinian leader bans people from carrying weapons BY MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS RAMALLAH, West Bank — The new Palestinian leadership on Thurs day banned civilians from carrying weapons and indicated it will appoint a new security minister known for his tough stance against militants — clear signs of seriousness about reining in violence, an Israeli precondition for peace talks. The Palestinians came in for praise from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who said Thursday that con ditions are right for a breakthrough toward peace. Before the weapons ban was an nounced, Sharon said he was “very satisfied” with the actions of new Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, who has been pressing hard for a declaration by militant groups of a halt to attacks against Israel, ending four years of bloody violence. For now, the militants have agreed to a temporary suspension of violence to test Israel's response. Also Thursday, Palestinian police prepared to deploy in central and southern Gaza to stop militants from attacking Israelis. The new deploy ment was set for Friday morning, Palestinian officials said. In local elections in 10 localities in Gaza on Thursday, meanwhile, the Islamic Hamas movement scored some big victories, according to exit polls, handily defeating Abbas’ Fatah party in three of the four communi ties polled. The Hamas victories re flected widespread support in Gaza for the violent Islamic movement, which provides welfare, schools and kindergartens to residents, alongside its attacks against Israel. The decree banning Palestinian civilians from holding weapons was a gesture toward Israel and the Unit ed States, which have long demand ed the disarming of militant groups responsible for attacks that have killed more than 1,000 Israelis. It also sent a message to Palestinians that the Abbas regime will be based on law and order, and that police will not allow militants to strut in public with their weapons. The decree, issued by Prime Min ister Ahmed Qureia, emphasized the law and order issue, noting “the in crease in the number of violent crimes in all the governates because of the chaos of weapons.” Soon after the violence started in September 2000, Israel targeted Palestinian police posts for destruc tion in response to allegations they were involved in violence. The Is raelis declared they would open fire on any armed Palestinian — in effect disarming the police. The main result was to weaken the authority of the Palestinian police forces. The vacuum was filled by large militant groups, like Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, as well as small armed gangs who ruled neighborhoods by force of arms, often clashing among themselves. The northern West Bank town of Jenin is a well-known center of mili tant groups and gangs, and police have no authority there. Residents say they live in fear. “I feel insecure with guns in the hands of the people on the street,” said Wissam Asaadi, 40. “I am worried about the security of my children and my home,” he said. “For me, personal safety is more impor tant than the national goals” of an end to the occupation and creation of a Palestinian state. SHOE-A-HOLIC Buy 1, Get 2 FREE Sale!* On selected shoes at our outlet store 957 Willamette St. 687-0898 LAZAR’S BAZAR Closeout Sale (including store fixtures) *50-66% OFF (St.«, Pric.) 57 W. Broadway • 687-0139 Downtown 3 ‘select items only I www.lazars.com You are invited to 50 deeper. Walk the Labyrinth Walking the labyrinth is an ancient form of prayer and meditation that has been revived in recent years. Friday, January 26 10:30am - 4:30pm EMU Fir Room Sponsored by die Wesley Foundation United Methodi/k Compur Mini/try Come and 30 a! anytime during the above hours. Questions con be directed to Jeremy at 346-4694 or jeremyhp@darkwing.uoregQn.edu SZ212D G1 enwoo d Monday morning klues? - SPECIAL - Two eggs, komefried potatoes and englisk muffin Available Monday-Wednesday until 10:30 a.m. with this ad Expires February 23, 2005 $2.95 Glen wood Fact #7: Our kreakfast potatoes kave never seen tke inside of a freezer 2588 Willamette St. 541-887-8201 * 1340 Aider St. 541-687-0355 Need Money for College? Come learn how to Really Compete for scholarships at one of these FREE seminars 021269 Friday, January 28th I2-I pm Walnut Room in the EMU Thursday, February 3rd 3-4 pm Alsea room in the EMU Don’t miss the OSAC application deadline: March I, 2005 Sponsored by the UO Office of Student Financial Aid and Scolarships, and the Oregon Student Assistance Commission www.CetCollegeFunds.org
