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Paying Tax — The Price of Civilization
Taxes are the price we pay in the First World to live in a productive, comfortable society
For my libertarian friends, let me help you. No, taxes are not theft.
If we want nice things, we have to pay for them.
Do you want an efficient highway system?
Do you want public schools?
Do you want someone to come when you dial 911?
Do you want to collect social security?
Nice Things Cost Money
All of those amenities we love about the United States of America cost money.
Traveling abroad, especially in Latin America, teaches the traveller the importance of infrastructure. The highways we take for granted enable efficient, speedy travel between cities.
The public education system, with all of its warts and opportunities for improvement, produces generally literate adults. Higher education remains a lifeline for the disadvantaged in their escape from a life of poverty.
Social security maintains our most vulnerable in a livable state. There is a reason one does not find the elderly begging in the streets to the degree some countries experience this sad phenomenon.
Pay Your Damn Taxes
Do we all hate paying taxes? Of course.
Do we hate more the outcome of not paying taxes. Well, again, yes.
