We need to change the frame for taxes. Our government improves my quality of life and the lives of every American.
Public schools. Parks. Libraries. Zoos. Museums. Roads. Police. Firemen. Military. Our government gives me a lot for my tax money. Seriously. I would pay more taxes if it would help the general good of the public and improve the quality of life for all. I want them to make sure that they are using our money wisely. It should not be wasted. But I can certainly see how my tax dollar helps me.
Dependence on taxpayer investments is even more extreme for corporations. Taxpayers pay for all of our government financial institutions -- our national banks, the Federal Reserve, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Treasury and Commerce departments, as well as our courts, of which 90% is used for corporate law. When someone wants to start a business, they do not have to build highways, the internet, educate scientists, found banks, or start a court system from scratch. They are all there waiting for you, courtesy of taxpayers. These are taxpayer dividends.
Our taxes are investments that pay extraordinary dividends. No investment, no dividends. Some of the most important dividends are economic growth and jobs.
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/research/rockridge/taxation
Taxes are an investment. I absolutely believe that I get a lot for my taxes. I realize there is talk of government waste with our tax dollars. This should definitely be addressed. Our government at every level should look at how to spend our tax dollars wisely. We deserve to get the most bang for our buck. And I am not referring to the war in Iraq. That's a huge waste of money.
Most people would agree that some level of tax is necessary to provide public services, But they often take a lot of the services for granted. If you run into people who complain about having to "pay in" this year, please remind them what their taxes are providing. I realize no one likes parting with their hard-earned dollars. This is why the frame needs to desperately change. People need to understand what they get in return for their tax dollar.