Winning Words 4/15/10
“Don’t tax you; don’t tax me; tax that man behind the tree.” (Old Colonial barb) I’m one of those strange persons who doesn’t mind paying taxes. When I think about it, I get services worth far more than the taxes I pay. I’ve had interesting conversations over coffee about today’s quote and the history of it. ;-) Jack

FROM LK IN OHIO: Everybody has a notion of the maximum amount or he/she is willing to be taxed freely. I don't mind being taxed. I do mind being overly taxed. I don't want the govt. telling me I'm not overly taxed. FROM JACK: I'm willing to pay for the services I get, locally and nationally. I happen to think I'm getting a good deal, and I don't expect it to be perfect.

FROM DAZ IN COLORADO: And those people who don't pay any taxes are really happy about the services they get. FROM JACK: By nature, we ALL want to get "a deal." I happen to think that I'm getting a deal.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I bet a lot of people, most people don't feel the way you do. And you grandchildren and great grandchildren will not receive the same benefits you feel you have paid for. Interesting comment being at the Colonials didn't receive much for their money. We can manage our money much better than the government thank you. We'd like the chance to try it for a change also. FROM JACK: I don't expect everybody to feel as I do, but I am what I am. My family members are not concerned that they might not be getting what I'm getting. The fruit does not fall far from the tree.

FROM LIZ IN ILLINOIS: It's not necessarily the taxes we mind, it's how they're spent. RECKLESSLY. Certainly you are not oblivious to notorious government waste? That doesn't bother you? Why not? Give me your wallet. I'd be happy to spend the money in it as I see fit, if that's how you feel. FROM JACK: There's waste whenever money is spent. I've wasted my share. I'm satisfied that, given the chance choose, I made my choice. At least I was given a choice. If you were running for office, and I were given the choice, I might vote for you to decide what to do with my wallet. MORE FROM LIZ: Please tell me you wouldn't buy a $600 hammer at your Ace Hardware... FROM JACK: Of course not. That's common sense. But of course you know that common sense is in short supply among many folks on both sides of the aisle and on Main St, too.

FROM PRJD IN MINNESOTA: JACK, I AM WITH YOU AND DON'T MIND PAYING TAXES. IN FACT I
CONSIDER IT A PRIVILEGE . LIKE YOU I AM NOT WEALTHY AND DO NOT MIND SHARING WITH OTHERS.
IT'S MINE IS REALLY GREED RATIONALIZED. FROM JACK: Ah, finally someone seems to understand my point.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: I'm there with you in the "strange persons" group. FROM JACK: See, not everyone in Boston is not full of beans.

FROM PL IN MICHIGAN: My son lives in Canada right now and they are expecting our first grandchild. The humanity Canadians show to new mothers and fathers is just amazing. Because of their maternity and paternity leaves, mothers are able to stay home with their baby for a significant amount of time. My son, entering law schoo, will not have to go into a lifetime of debt for student loans like my daughter who lives in Chicago. The medical care my daughter-in-law has received has been outstanding. The cost?????...High
taxes but look at the services they get. Bottom line..when taxes equate to better services everyone benefits! So,I agree with you. FROM JACK: No system is perfect, so I'm sure that a segment of Canadians complains about the taxing system. Human nature!

FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Most Americans would have no objection to paying taxes for, roads, basic law and order, national security and the like. It is when the system is gamed and taxpayers money is used to pit one group against another problems arise.
· When education becomes a mandatory one size fits all progressive indoctrination; I object.
· When neo con lobbyists profit specifically from a war; I object.
· When the power of the government is used to crush mom and pop (secured) bond holders to benefit only unions, I object.
· When only one company called Serious Materials receives tax credits (director married to Presidential staffer); I object.
· When the IRS will decide if my health care insurance is sufficient; I object.
· When Halliburton, Bechtel, General Dynamics profit by billions from un-bid war contracts; I object.
Jack, other than the partial list above, I too, have no objections to paying taxes either.
FROM JACK: I expected to hear from you laying out your thoughts on taxation. I especially agree with your last line. I might not agree with a line or two in your list, but that's why we have discussions and elections.

FROM HAWKEYE GS: We need to pay taxes. What about a tax only on what you purchase or consume? Seems fair to me. FROM JACK: I think that your idea has been proposed at some time in the past. Is that what Forbes called, a Flat Tax? MORE FROM GS: No,it is called a Fair Tax. I didn't think much of it at first, but it makes sense to me - but I think there should also be deductions at yearend for medical expenses. BTW, I was at the Demo-Repub tea party that was on national TV last week. People are just sick of big and bigger govt - just like Germany started to be like in the 1920s - and we know what happened to that. I don't want my g'kids going to the bank to cash a check for $.02 - like you did. FROM JACK: The Tea Parties are not my cuppa tea, as you no dout know. And cashing the check for 3 cents taught me the value of money, when a penny meant a penny.

FROM CA IN MICHIGAN: Thanks again. I still enjoy your "words"

MORE FROM RI: Do I read a reference there to the Tea Party people who gathered here yesterday. They were feeling their oats but I think maybe they were full of beans. FROM JACK: Merely coincidental.

FROM MOLINER CF: Don't tax you, Don't tax me;Tax that man behind the tree.Make him dig down in his pocket, If he owns a car, make him hock it.I don't even mind if he taxes thee.

FROM PRGC IN SAN DIEGO: It may seem strange but I feel the same way. May have something to say about why we became pastors, shepherds, caregivers, prophets, leaders, justice for all seekers. FROM JACK: I think that we weren't sleeping during Ethics classes.

FROM BP IN FLORIDA: I too do not mind paying a fair tax. What I object to is the way our tax money is spent. I just returned from the Naples Tea Party with over 3000 other concerned folks. A peaceful gathering of Veterans, seniors working folks on their lunch time, and college students, from all walks of life, all economic strata and a variety of political persuasions. Interesting that 95% of the signs were home made and everyone was smiling and waving. A grass roots movement supporting the Constitution, not an ideological organized
campaign. How refreshing. What a true testament to the American system when the signs are about Liberty, God, the Constitution and individual responsibility. God Bless America FROM JACK: Were any of them there wearing Obama buttons?

FROM JT IN MINNESOTA: You are so right about paying taxes. We do surely get more than we pay for.(and while paying them it seems to hurt so that is a good thought.) My mother always said, it is so much better to pay taxes than to be in the position of not having to pay them. You would have liked my mom a lot. I did!!
FROM JACK: I wish more people could look at "taxes" like your mom did.

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: This has been really interesting. I think the crux of the matter is whether we trust our public institutions or not. Right now, there seems to be a lot of distrust--of the government, of our schools, of the insurance companies, of the banks, of the doctors, of the lawyers, of the media, even of our churches. At some point, it seems like we have to risk some trust or things will completely fall apart. So
far, I'm preferring to err on the side of trusting and hope God is on that side too, or rather that I am on the side of God, along with many other people. What exactly in the heck does God think about how we organize ourselves to provide for everyone's needs down here on earth? FROM JACK: "Consider the birds of the air..."

FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Good one on "tax day"! Whenever I have traveled abroad, I have been happy to come "home" and pay my taxes, but I think we all cringe at how our money is wasted, or goes for things we would never sanction...I just pray our democracy can withstand the pesky Tea Partiers. I don't know when opposition has been this vocal, verging on violent! Not the brightest bulbs in the building...?

FROM ML IN ILLINOIS: mark and i both believe that we should pay more taxes as should those who make more than we do. we do receive so much more than we give in taxes. just don't understand those who want to hold onto it all. after all, you can't take it with you. FROM JACK: and..Count your blessings!

FROM JS IN MICHIGAN: I couldn't agree with you more. Geez, you sound like a Democrat.

FROM LS IN MICHIGAN: I know you dont get into politics and rightfully so but I saw this article in the Voice of the people the other day and wondered if you wanted to comment on it??? This was penned by Norm Kinnison, a friend of mine, from Good Samaritan Lutheran Church (Pontiac) This does mirror alot of my feelings and ideas especially on this subject so here it goes: THE POOR DESERVES TO HAVE BETTER HEALTH CARE "This American served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war and gets a tear in his eyes every time he hears the national anthem. I also tried the U.S. Army out 10 years later only to find that once you're a Marine you will always be a Marine!!!
I also follow a socialist called Jesus Christ. A man once asked him how to get to heaven? My leader said. "Sell all your riches and give to the poor" He bowed his head in shame and went away. Am I willing to pay more taxes??? Yes !. Am I willing to give up some of my health care so the poor can have more. Yes!
I don't think the Democrats went FAR ENOUGH to help the poor. For those of you on the right, that want to tell me what I want, I don't need your help. This proud American already knows. Norm Kinnison
I work for and with Norm on the food pantry at our Church, Norm started this pantry out of our church years ago, long before I became a member.