Taxed To Death?

My recent trip to Connecticut was pleasure for me, and business for Suz. I had the pleasure of sleeping in, watching movies and going shopping. Suz was there for a conference.

During one of my many outings, I came across this familiar fellow: Fred Krueger. Or, Freddy Krueger if you prefer. Although I'm not a big fan of his movies (I've only seen one, and I don't even know which number it was), I'm a huge fan of anything 6 feet tall and scary.

The last time I saw Freddy was at a local mall, standing outside of a Spencer Gifts store, entertaining teenagers. In Canada, this animatronic murderer cost approximately $459. In recent years Spencer Gifts has offered post-Halloween sales on some smaller items, but nothing for seasonal things of this calibre. I know. I asked.

In the United States, they do things a little differently. 75% differently!

At a mall in Connecticut I saw good ol' Freddy standing out front as usual. But he wore a sign that read 75% Off. I did a double-take, not actually believing what I saw. Suz was intrigued as well. We entered Spencer Gifts and I inquired about the 6-foot-tall Janitor. It was true! 75% off, and not just the floor model - but a brand new Freddy in a box! (I love boxes)

I was suspicious. I asked lots of questions. But it was true! Freddy, the 6-foot-tall, fully clothed animatronic slasher was on sale, glove included. There was not a single additional thing I had to buy. "It's a fantastic deal," the cashier-dude reassured me. "I know! I'll take it!" I replied.

But there was one more surprise. When he rang up my new buddy, there was an additional 10% off at the cash. My total was $62, plus tax, for a whopping $66. I have never walked out of a store laughing before. But I did this time. Walking to the car, I did some math in my head. When I got to a calculator, I made sure the numbers were precise.

Get this:

My $66 total is LESS than the TAXES alone had I bought Freddy in Canada. Taxes on $459.99 is $68.99. Yes, I know there's still the CDN/U.S. conversion but even still, I walked away paying about $77 versus $528.98. That's $451 that I can put towards things like candy and video games!

Considering all this, are we being taxed to death in Canada? I vote Freddy Krueger for Prime Minister. He loves slashing, and he can start with our taxes.