What do marijuana, porn, brothels, gambling & gay marriage have in common?

Various states want to tax them or otherwise use them to raise revenues during a slumping economy. See today's NY Times.

In California, a state legislator wants to tax marijuana.

In Washington, a bill was introduced to tax pornography.

In Nevada, they want to tax the brothels.

In Massachusetts the legislature is proposing to build two resort-style casinos, including one in Boston.

In Hawaii legislators are proposing to legalize gay marriage to boost tourism, thus raising revenues.

This brings to mind two thoughts. First, ain't it interesting how things which are illegal can suddenly become legal if it benefits government revenues. Which leads to numero segundo, these legislators aren't interested in either liberty or morality, only in getting their hands on more money to spend. More money equals more power and apparently that is all these wonderful legislators care about.