I admire Sen. Reid for holding firm on the idea that Junior's tax cuts for the wealthiest have got to go. Not only are the cuts fiscally insane, but they are a loathsome insult to the idea that America is a land of equal opportunity and shared responsibility.
Nonetheless, there is merit to the 'Pub/Libertarian argument that simply rolling back those cuts would not yield sufficient revenue to seriously affect the deficit and debt. Not only are there not enough superrich, but they have mad skills in hiding their dough. It's an inconvenient truth, as it were.
For the long-term good of our nation, we do indeed have to change the trajectory of our fiscal path. And, to prove I understand the gravity of the situation, I'm stepping forward to do my bit.
Tax my ass, already.
I am not wealthy. By most measures of income, I'm not even middle class, though I'm fortunate to have most of the basics covered. Roof? Check. Chow? Check. Some fun? When I can, good man, when I can.
The three hundred bucks per annum that Junior's bribe to the 99% netted me have certainly been welcome and I have for sure returned them to the economy post haste. Creating jobs or whatever.
But I love my country. I love the impossibly high ideals upon which it was founded and our continuing struggle to live up to them. I want to see my country not only survive, but thrive and continue to stumble our way along the path to fairness and opportunity.
So, Mr. President, Mssrs. and Madams Legislators, take my three hundred lousy dollars. Raise my taxes.
I'll be bummed that I'll have to forego a luxury or two, even scrimp on some necessities, but I want to assure that I'll have the most basic necessity of all: a future. A chance. A country worth living in.
And to the McConnells and Boehners and Grovers and Mitts who respond that, if I wish, I can always give up that three hundred bucks of my own free will, I can only say,
So can you. But you won't. If it were up to you, you would enjoy all the benefits of living in America without ever, ever giving up a dime to support it.
That's why there are taxes. So that we can have a great country where you have the chance to do so well. It's such a wonderful idea that I'm willing to pay a little more to keep it that way.
So should you.