That Dirty Word

[suzanne1945]

In the last several years, the very word "taxes" has become synonymous with being a dirty word.  While I understand the idea that everyone would like to keep all the money one earns, do people not understand that taxes are a way to pay for services received?

Our federal taxes are a way of paying for the following services: 
  defense (21%),

Comments

[michelle1963]

People fail to understand that the taxes that support the infrastructure of our nation are directly tied to our economic success.

Consider the nations that do not have public education. Are their economies the powerhouses that America's is? No. It takes an educated populace to have a successful economy.

Consider nations that do not invest in infrastructure. Reliable transportation for both people and goods is lacking ~ both necessary to a successful economy.

Consider nations that do not have the biggest, baddest military in the world. They spend a lot of time fighting squirmishes with other nations with only a mediocre defenses. And so while yes, America often finds itself "policing" other nations' squirmishes the nations' personal well-being is not at stake.

[ehowton]

You know what scares me? Politicians who are more charismatic than they are smart. I've often said I would vote for an asshole I didn't like if he just knew what the fuck he was doing.

[michelle1963]

Unfortunately, those charismatic politicians have learned the value of persistence ~ not education. Ironic, huh?

[suzanne1945]

Good point! People want to complain about our poor economy without any understanding of all it takes to support that. I shudder when I hear those politicians (and individuals) that want to do away with foreign aid. The US gives this aid, not just because it may be the humanitarian thing to do, but also because it greases the way for our own well being.

[ehowton]

Great write-up! You have taught me many things surrounding taxes and first-world nations despite our quite diverse views on many things. THANK YOU!

[suzanne1945]

Great write-up! You have taught me many things surrounding taxes and first-world nations despite our quite diverse views on many things.

So glad to be of service. Am I making any head way with you? :) And a big THANKS to you for fixing my background color problem.

[ehowton]

And who hasn't complained about the cost of toll roads.

I see this a little differently. Because we vote on increasing taxes for a special road to be built. Awesome democracy!

Then - after its built, they decided its a toll road. Now I have to pay for a road that I already paid for.

To twist the knife, do you have any idea how difficult it is to get toll roads deactivated? Usually NO ONE wants to do that because even after they've paid for themselves TEN TIMES OVER they're still such a great capitol generator!

In short, I like to nip that shit in the bud by just saying, "No." I say no to raising taxes for special roads and I say no to toll roads in hopes that I can bypass all that bullshit. It may not always be effective, but now you know the method behind my madness!

[suzanne1945]

I'll 'fess up that my working knowledge of toll roads is limited. However, I remember when the Kansas Turnpike was built it was done privately. But you are you are right about tolls not being rescinded once the road is actually paid for. But doesn't this make my point, that private doesn't make for cheaper whether the road continues as private enterprise or is turned over to the state?