Mary Beth Schneider, writing for the Indianapolis Star, has an article entitled “7 hours makes it clear: People want tax relief”. Apparently the people, they don’t like paying taxes. In other news, I’m pretty sure my 3 year old doesn’t care much for broccoli.
The report discusses people’s complaints about how heavy their tax burdens are. And that’s fine. The fact that taxes have shifted to particular people at an unsustainable level is something that needs to be dealt with. But I don’t get the sense that these folks understand that government spending has not increased nearly as much as their tax burden has. I don’t get a sense that these folks are thinking very much about which government services to cut or to whom their tax burden should shift. Their thoughts seem to be like someone touching a hot stove: OUCH! MAKE IT STOP! Again, a legitimate response. But we all have to take a look at who turned on the stove and why. We don’t just demand that someone shut off the power.
Maybe another way to look at it is that people vote with their feet. Few people truly *have to* live where they live. We have choices. None of the considerations listed matter to most people, Doug, especially if you are self-perceived (as I am) that you don’t really use government services to justify the expense. Indeed, the more self-sufficient one is, the less government one needs.
No matter the reasons, places that breed big governments attract government dependent populations and repel people of means and self-sufficiency.
Regardless of the reasons, is it could policy to create that outcome?
Maybe that’s a basic question more elected officials should ask, rather than concerning themselves with, “well, what would you see cut”.
I for one don’t demand that you shut off the power to the stove… but I get the hell away from it! Just like my immigrant ancestors did.
Doug lies. Cole likes broccoli.
Shhh – it just wouldn’t have made as much sense if I’d referenced Cole’s aversion to “spicy” spaghetti sauce.
I am deeply disappointed – a man who would lie about broccoli cannot be trusted in any matter involving edible vegetation!
My credibility is in shambles. Thanks Amy.
Isn’t marriage grand?
As to Mike’s point, none of the politicians in question (Gov. on down to your local township yahoos) have the guts to stand up & make the point that way – “Well, what would you see cut?â€
Everyone wants cheaper healthcare, mass transit, more police, and they want to pay less in taxes.
As long as we’re at it, I think my daughter would really like a pony.