I understand and agree with the general notion of limiting government intrusion. But there is also a general public welfare need to be considered. Yes, the govey lays taxes and that crap as collateral to this, which I despise, but, for the general public welfare, we also need to be sure that such “transactions” are not furthering crime against the general population and destroying other’s right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I don't necessarily disagree that the government needs some funding for some activities, but I'm looking at the dual taxation nature of having import duties and income/capital gains tax. Pay an import duty on the stuff, and then if you sell it (and she most likely intended to sell it since Liberace is dead and they closed his museum) pay a capital gains tax or pay an income tax on any profit. It strikes me as overly intrusive. It's kind of like the question I asked another freeper. If you're being mugged and the mugger already has your wallet are you morally obligated to tell him about the money in your money belt?