GPS Tax

Have you ever wondered what would happen if all of a sudden the GPS satellites in space stopped working? Well, "Skynet" would fail and civilization would end as we know it. Well, maybe not...MAYBE.

Currently there are 31 GPS satellites in space, but there only needs to be 24 to keep the system going. However, they are nearing the end of their lifetime and Obama is cutting the funding on the GPS program. In fact, some people say that we could have less than 24 functioning satellites by 2010 (my money's on Dec. 21, 2012). That's is a little unnerving considering all the stuff that's around now that relies on this system.

Since the satellites were put into space by our government, funds will have to come from the taxpayers of course. So now there are rumors on a GPS tax to help fund new satellites to replace the old ones. Since it would be next to impossible to tax someone every time they used GPS, the plan will likely be to tax GPS devices. However, would this really be enough to launch satellites into space? Maybe I'm underestimating the amount of new GPS buyers out there, but it seems like more "regular taxes" will be required to really get these up and running.

Of course you have companies that make GPS systems for people, cars, airplanes, boats, etc., so why couldn't they get together and make their own private system that the military can use, or pitch in to replace the current satellites? It's obvious that if they don't do something to help fix this system, they're out of the business. Of course if the tax payers are going to pay their bills, why should they front the money? I'm sure they'll be opposed to a tax on their devices they sell and will get them some lobbyist in Washington to put a stop to that. Being that our current rulers, I mean representatives, aren't the type to just let the free market do its thing, I wouldn't doubt they'd use more taxes for this.

I should say that I've never actually used a GPS device personally. I like shinny, cool technology, but I'm more of a map, compass, moss on a tree kind of guy.