The Downside of the Coming Eclipse

The state tax department won’t be the only bandit lurking during next month’s eclipse. 

We’ve seen stories about the enormous boost for Idaho’s tourist trade.  With hotel rooms booked, private homeowners are renting out spare rooms.  The state wants a cut, telling the homeowners to collect taxes and dutifully report the collection.  Right!  What army is going to enforce the order?  Even relatively conservative governments apparently have an insatiable need for revenue.

Meanwhile, a writer at inc.com suggests Idaho will also see an influx of criminals.  He cites a big eclipse in the late 1800s.  Pickpockets traveled from as far away as New York City to prey on the crowds.