– Winston Churchill
This post was prompted because we are in the primary election season and, yesterday, I saw where the Fern Hollow Bridge near my home fell a hundred feet. I remain amazed and thankful that at 7am on January 28, so few were on this heavily-trafficked structure and all survived. Read more.Reports I’ve heard about why the bridge’s faults weren’t fixed include gas taxes intended for this purpose paid for state police patrols in towns that can’t afford their own law enforcement.
Keep in mind, taxes allow governments to provide health and human services, schools, public transportation, our military, courts, community and regional development, parks and recreational spaces, arts events, higher education and research, waste management, etc. Recently, citizens of my county voted to pay higher taxes to improve our public libraries.
I suspect most people don’t like paying taxes that buy ‘Pork Barrels,’ government-funded projects that enrich political supporters. See Examples.
So, when political candidates promise to cut taxes, consider asking: What government services will be forfeited? Keep in mind, we get the quality schools, community resources and public benefits we pay for. Also, will these politicians lower taxes by reducing pork barrel spending? How about their generous salaries and benefits? Here are five Federal perks.
As candidates seek our votes, know how our support be repaid? When elected, how will those politicians spend tax dollars to improve our world and grow prosperity for everyone. Because of the fear-mongering that saturates some campaigns, consider how candidates feel about the green sign at the corner of Forbes and Braddock Avenues. How will they represent us in creating neighborhoods, cities, states and a country where what Waverly Presbyterian asks becomes possible?
Waverly Presbyterian Church sign at corner of Forbes and Braddock Avenues.
CBS News Photo of fallen Fern Hollow Bridge, bus and cars.
| A Little Tax Humor
What’s the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist only takes the skin. – Mark TwainI am proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is, I could be just as proud for half of the money. – Arthur Godfrey Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today. – Herman Wouk Congress can raise taxes because it can persuade a sizable fraction of the populace that somebody else will pay. – Milton Friedman |
The inspiring and beautiful work in these Fine Art America collections is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more.
Thanks for your support!
NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.
