Wednesday, Apr. 30, 2008

What would the world be without taxes?

By Staff Reports

Enquirer Herald

I probably pay about the average taxes of someone my age and retired. I don't like paying them any more than the next person and they truly take a bite out of my income.

I think there was a time when Social Security was not taxable and that would be nice, but maybe it wasn't fair.

I am also furious when I hear of the deadbeats who are receiving federal payments for various conditions for which they are not honestly eligible.

I suspect, however, they are fewer of these than we realize. I, for one, think we should be as vigilant as we possibly can in prosecuting and eliminating these individuals but I do not want to take a chance of cutting off those who desperately need help.

I don't think there are many who would oppose this attitude, but I suspect we would disagree on the number of those who really need it. I have seen many mothers and children who would literally be on the streets begging if it was not for government assistance.

My concern today, however, is about another facet of taxes. It distresses me that so many have made a dirty word out of it and it is truly not!

Taxes keep our police officers and fire fighters available, as well as the trucks and other heavy equipment needed. Taxes keep our governments running, our garbage collection. traffic lights, public health facilities, judicial courts ..... there is just no end. Think for a moment where we would be without them.

Just as with the "welfare cheats," we need to always be vigilant for these areas of government that are wasteful. I find myself uncomfortable however, with the plethora of politicians who think the only thing they have to say is "they will cut taxes" and thereby bring us better government. That is just not enough! I have to ask "what taxes you will cut and how will you pay for the vital services that might be eliminated."

I'm sure most would tell me this is inherent in their promise, but I would like to have the specifics of how they will do this. I do not want any of these services endangered because of some politicians promise.

When you hear this appeal from our public servants I would like to suggest that all of you consider asking what taxes and why? If I hear anything that does endanger public services I am going to run the other way.

-- H. Sanford Howie, Jr is executive director emeritus for Episcopal Church Home for Children in York.