I have never asked this before of my fellow kossacks (kosovars? kosovians?) but I’d like you to please put this on the rec list, because I think the debate is a good thing. I usually don’t make it (in fact, never) because I’m a crank and I know it. I’ve never deserved to make it, but for once I’m putting forth a serious idea that merits discussion – at least I’d like to think so.
I am sick and tired of the whole "Liberals want to tax you to death" meme that the Republicants put out there. I am sick and tired of the whole thing, so I’m going to give you all the same response I’ve always used to shut up my friends who are Republicans – paying taxes is patriotic.
Are you in the Military? No? Then how do you serve your country? If you don’t put your life on the line the way you do it is through your taxes. That’s the way it is for the most of us. I’m perfectly happy to pay my taxes to get the government we need. It supports the country and helps support my fellow citizen who may not have it as good as I do. It helps support the good things that government can do. It’s what makes it all work.
Republicants like to put the whole "My country, right or wrong" when they’re leading, and oppose anything that costs money when they’re not. Well, that’s Greed, not Patriotism, and I question theirs.
Taxes are mom, apple pie, and the flag in concrete form. We may not always agree on how the money gets spent, but the fact is that because I will never be in the military this is the best way I can show support for my fellow American. I’ve done it with both Republicans and Democrats in the White House and Congress, and I will continue to do so no matter the party in control.
Because I believe in patriotism, and this is how I show it.
I believe that people serving in the military (not contractors nor the President) should be exempt from income taxes for the moneys they earn from the military – including pensions. The rest of us should pay the taxes – they put their lives on the line and we put up the monies.
I’m a liberal. I’m not rich but I’d like to be. And I’m an American – I pay my taxes because I believe in America, and this is how I show it.
Taxes aren’t a burden. It’s patriotism.
So Republicants, I’m calling you out on this. I say you’re not patriots, just greedy – you don’t want to pay a fair share. Yes, people who are rich pay more taxes as a percentage – that’s patriotism and that’s the service your country calls upon you to make. I pay my taxes, and I want my government to do great things. If you don’t, then I’m calling your patriotism into question. You want to rumble, bring it the hell on.
Update: obviously, I didn't make the rec list. Serves me right for trying, neh? ^_^
Funny how no one discussed my idea of reducing the taxes of those who serve in the armed forces to zero for their military income...