a two-thirds baked idea about taxes
¶ by Rob FrieselI’m thinking that Americans (i.e., “we” and/or “us”) need to get over this bullshit obsession we have with taxes. I’ve been thinking about this recently and I’m convinced that the mythologizing of the Boston Tea Party and that blasted James Otis quote have undermined us from the beginning.
I can’t remember an election cycle (Presidential or otherwise) where taxation wasn’t a dirty word levied on either side. I get the feeling that some politicians have wet dreams about coming out on stage in buckskin pants, warpaint, and swinging a tomahawk, screaming about how we could storm the doors and let those pork bellies soak in the harbor for a while.
The “t-word” really ought to be excised from the public discourse for a few generations. Every objection to taxation I’ve ever heard seems to culminate in or be summarized with a rhetorical Don’t you think it’s messed up that they just take your money right out of your paycheck? Sure I do, but I’m willing to admit that it’s only because I feel the cash is being mismanaged.
Many of these same nay-sayers are then happy to talk about the recent diversification of their stock portfolio or how they’re maxing out their contributions to their 401(k) 1. To these individuals, I ask: What’s the difference? If you’re so eager to drop that cash to buy a few shares, there’s a clear motivation — correct? You’re seeking a return on your investment.
Well, suppose you assert to your Congressman that your taxes are the same thing? Consider yourself a shareholder in the United States of America. Lose the mohawk, you wannabe Tonto impersonators, and demand your annual shareholders report!
- And/or 403(b) and/or (Roth) IRA.[↩]
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