September 29, 2008 5:09PM 

# Statism 101 

By [Tim Lynch](https://www.cato.org/people/tim-lynch) 

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Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear is trying to [seize some online casinos](http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/09/23/ap5458185.html). Unlike casinos that are on the land, online casinos are difficult for the government to tax. According to Mr. Beshear, if the tax collectors can’t get their paws on a business, then *that business* is a “leech” on the community. This type of thinking comes from Statism 101 and will require reading works not listed on the syllabus. Go [here](http://www.amazon.com/THOSE-DIRTY-ROTTEN-TAXES-Revolts/dp/0684843943) and [here](https://www.cato.org/pubs/journal/cj19n2/cj19n2-10.pdf) (pdf).

##### Related Tags 

[General](https://www.cato.org/general), [Government and Politics](https://www.cato.org/government-politics), [Tax and Budget Policy](https://www.cato.org/tax-budget-policy) 

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