Taxes

A less arresting title for a weblog entry I can hardly imagine. And yet, it is one of those things that compels my attention from year-to-year. I finished my taxes yesterday and really didn’t feel badly about them even though I had to pay out a sizable sum. Why do I not feel put upon? Let me explain.

I am an American. A moment’s reflection reminds one that citizenship comes with a price. A clause in the Constitution notes that government exists, in part, to “promote the general welfare,” an economic as well as a social connotation. Government cannot promote, or more accurately provide, without revenue. My welfare is promoted by the services that are provided for and used by me every day. I’m glad there are roads upon which I can drive, stop lights and traffic laws and road crews to repair the potholes. I’m glad for police and fire protection, national defense, radio and television signals, air traffic control, dams and sanitation services, bridges, public health services and basic education for myself and family. I do not resent paying my fair share for these benefits.

Since we all are beneficiaries of these facilities and services I am in favor of a flat personal income tax (with very limited deductions) for all Americans capable of earning a living. I am also in favor of ‘use’ taxes for consumer items and of what used to be called ‘sin’ taxes. The so-called ‘sin’ tax revenues (on things like tobacco, alcohol, maybe even things like obesity-promoting foods) can be well-used for the medical treatment that is inevitably needed for these users. The reality, I have read, is that a huge percentage of Americans pay no income tax at all—and these are not the mega-rich as the media would have us believe. It is the low to low-middle income individuals and families who take and enjoy the benefits but make no contribution whatsoever to their own welfare or maintenance.

If we have an investment in our own maintenance we will not, if we have any integrity, take these blessings as American citizens as an entitlement (we used to say ‘for granted’) and will better learn, it is hoped, that there is a price to be paid for all benefits. Somebody will pay. The moral question we must all ask ourselves is, ‘Is it right that I should be the beneficiary of benefits that are provided for me by money that is extorted from others beyond what is their fair share contribution for the general welfare or public good?”

I believe in paying our own way, contributing fairly to the public good and then being charitable to others, without being compelled to be, out of the dictates of our own conscience.