Note: Some of what I am about to say, you may or may not agree with. I am ok with that. I am glad we live in a country that allows both of us to express our opinions, even when they might differ. I am guessing this post will garner quite a bit of discussion. I only ask that all comments are kept clean and respectful to each other.
I did my taxes the other day. It was depressing. Not as bad as it could have been, but still depressing. I understand the need to pay taxes. I agree with paying my fair share. I want the government to be able to provide me with the things that there is no way I could provide for myself. I can't pave a road. An army of one is not actually a literal thing, I need them to do that for me. Education, police, courts, ect, all of these are very important tasks that my tax dollars (and yours if you are in the US) go to cover. And I gladly give up my money to pay for these things.
So why am I so depressed about doing my taxes?
Well, philosophically, I have always been of the opinion that taxes should go to cover the things that I cannot provide for myself. I am also a believer in a limited welfare system, one that is meant to help people get on their feet and not make them dependent on it. I am even ok with our nation providing for a limited amount of international welfare. I think its awesome that our country chips in and helps nations recover from disasters. However, beyond this is where I and my country seem to differ in opinion. Our government seems to believe that there is no actual cap to spending.
You and I, like anyone else on this planet, have a limited amount of money. Even Bill Gates has a limited amount of money, even if his limit is slightly more than mine. Each month, my wife and I sit down, we look at the money we bring in, we pay out the bills, and what is left at the end is either saved, used to reduce debt, or we spend it. Much of this process is automated (thank you online banking!), but the process still occurs. In our past, it wasn't uncommon for us to have to decide if some things needed to be cut, or unfortunately, like any couple who struggles, even not pay something on time. You can only NOT pay something for so long however, as the people you owe seem to get a bit snippy when they don't get paid and they might even come get your things for not paying. In this country, in the last few years, foreclosures on homes have been at all time highs. See, when you don't pay your bills, that happens. Unless you are the government.
Sometimes you have to look at your expenses and decide to cut some of them. People will reduce or eliminate cable/satellite TV, find cheaper forms of auto insurance, not go out to eat, turn the thermostat back a bit, or even make harsher decisions like getting a 2nd or 3rd job, selling off personal assets, or going without insurance at all so they can make ends meet. Sucks, but thats reality. Unless you are the government.
We have to make hard decisions every day. Herein lies the issue. Some people in our country seem to think that the government should provide for them. I don't mean temporary assistance, I mean they actually want the government to provide for them. Big Daddy Warbucks style. People demand the government extend unemployment benefits, provide a greater welfare system, provide national forms of healthcare. In principle, I have issues with some of this, but even if I fully supported all the initiatives that are out there now, the bottom line is quite simple, our government cannot afford it. More specifically, we the taxpayer cannot afford it.
If my kids came to me and said "Dad, give me $50." and I didn't have $50 to give, they wouldn't get it. Sounds simple enough. Even if I did have it, they still might not get it. I believe all things should be earned.
Our nation needs strong leadership. Leaders who are unafraid to make the unpopular choices and decisions. Frankly, we need a leader who is willing to make the decision to cut things, just as we do in our own households. Since 1970, we have had a balanced budget 4 times. In 42 years, with the exception of 4 years, we have outspent what we brought in. It wouldn't even be possible for any of us to do that, you would be bankrupt and homeless long before then.
The national debt is currently $135,482 per taxpayer right now. Our national debt exceeds our nations GDP. Our current nations liabilities, between Social Security, Prescription Drugs, and Medicare are over $117 trillion dollars, or put another way, over $1 million dollars per taxpayer. These are just the factual numbers. I am a realist. I never want to see people suffer, but the cold hard reality is that without hard, unpopular choices being made, the suffering will increase. We can no longer afford to keep passing out the benefits as they are, foreign or domestic, and we can no longer afford to spend more than we make.
So back to the original question, why am I depressed?
Reality. In each of our lives we have but two ways to get a budget in line. Earn more or spend less. (or some combination of the two most likely) For the government to earn more they must collect more taxes. That means taxing those of us who are paying more, or getting more people into taxpaying situations. For the government to spend less, they have to cut programs. In our case, cutting frivolous programs is not a complete answer. I fear we have gone too far and now we have to go from cutting the fat to cutting into the bone. Good, worthwhile programs, that help the American people will have to take hard cuts or even be eliminated all together. To implement a national healthcare system, and still balance the budget and reduce the national debt, even more would have to be cut from somewhere else. The problem is, our history shows that we don't cut spending, we only increase it. What programs should be cut? Who suffers? How do we increase the nations income to cover our expenses and start to eliminate some of the debt? All questions that require hard and unpopular answers.
How much more of the money that I and my wife work hard to earn, so that we can provide for our family, should be taken from me to provide for others? At what point do we decide that there are some things the government is not meant to provide? Or do we just decide that a tax rate of 50% is acceptable and in exchange we will all become dependent upon our government. Do we want to rely on our government that much? I don't. I would rather rely on myself.
This year my household income was on par with last years. This year, I paid more in taxes than last year. This is not a trend I like, but its reality. What is really scary is that the national debt increased. How high will my taxes go in the future?
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Thank you for all the great feedback. I really appreciate it. As always, feel free to leave comments below.
Amen, brother!
ReplyDeleteour gov't is a bunch of corporate-sponsored crooks. We all take it up the ass. My son made 8k last year and had to pay $200 in taxes at the end of year. wtf is that? I told him to make the irs come earn their money. Don't file and let them come take it if they get around to it...otherwise, fuck 'em.
ReplyDeletei'll never see my social security. i've never been on medicaid. from what i hear, it's complete shit insurance anyway. canada does their shit better. i'm seriously gonna retire to some other country than this one...the politicians have completely screwed us over...anything short of a full-blown (think Libya) revolution will fail. We can't compete with the lobbyists and special interest groups.
Thomas Jefferson isn't turning over in his grave...he's spinning like a damn top...
lol.
ReplyDeleteIts the system mate. Dont buck the system.
It isnt for you and me - decent, law abiding, honest, hard working people who want to work and better their lot.
It isnt even for those who really need it, those who cannot afford to exist through no fault of their own.
When your salary is reliant on the votes of the "many", then your job is secure by looking after the interests of the many, and more secure if you can increase the numbers of the "many"
I think I'll keep it short, as I am certain that my further opinions and beliefs will be found somewhat offensive by "many".
Lets just say that I was lucky. My parents could afford a better education for me, and showed me the benefits of working hard, and working smart - the nicer cars, the bigger homes, the frequent foreign holidays to broaden the mind.
I guess that just makes MY children luckier too.
Greg Abbott
i'll be sending you some nukes greg abbott!!!! LOL, jk.
DeleteJesse, I take it you are not a fan of the "share the wealth" philosophy? I am shocked...Just kidding. I think the way our government should be is that we the tax payers should decide what our money goes for. (Yes we pay taxes, quite a lot actually considering my husband is self-employed, so much for helping the small business man out. But that is just it we are not looking for a hand out. Different situations but I feel your frustration. Just attended a school board meeting and found out that my child's school has a 2.5 million dollar deficit, their solution close a much needed elementary school down over crowd the other schools, lay off 40-50 teachers, possible 4 day school week next year plus massively cut arts and sciences program. Not just federal taxpayer but as a personal property tax payer to my county as well, I think the money should fund education first, then look at the needed programs and reevaluate with stricter criteria to determine who qualifies for welfare and who doesn't. Some not all do take advantage of the system, those that sell their food stamps, those that receive food stamps for children that do not even reside with them. But yet they still get them. It breaks my heart to hear when people abuse the system because a real close friend of mine struggles to feed her family, both her and her husband work and they are just over qualified for food stamps. Yes prob. shouldn't be on a rant about food stamps, but it is one of the main reasons that when I finish school my first hopeful career choice is medicaid fraud/ to include welfare fraud. I am not by no means saying that these programs are not important, I believe they do make a difference with proper regulations to help weed out the ones who do want a hand out from the government.
ReplyDeleteJesse, I appreciate the blog and the politics behind it and I mainly agree, so about my rant there but some issues get me a little fired up. Keep writing and keep provoking critical thought :)
well its good to hear you all commenting, I guess England is as screwed as everywhere else, but......
ReplyDeletewelfare! sit on your ass, reproduce hundreds of offspring,watch Jerry Springer and day time soaps, whine and whinge about everything, don,t forget you can do all this without contributing a single penny/dime/washer into the system but make those that work hard, struggle to support themselves and families, pay.
Hell if i had my time again i would spend all day playing internet browser games, get the state to pay me,
God Save Our Land of the FREE
Andy
blame it on the 'American Dream', and no the problem isn't just in America, its here in the Uk too.... people want everything for nothing. Too long did the world grow fat on over-indulgence, luxury, benefits, finally the shit hits the fan and everyone turns to the government for more, again. I'm no political expert, but i know some governments govern their countries better than others, with realistic views- but it can be improved further. The UKs main 2 issues without a doubt are state benefits and immigration, both 100% vital in the right situation, for those who try and try again but still cant earn enough to look after themselves due to a disability or whatever, and those that are genuinely scared for their lives elsewhere. Not for those that say FCUK IT, i can not be bothered, England looks a nice place to live, i get a house, food, spending money, health care etcetc and all i have to do it pretend im not a lazy fcuker. In a way i don't blame them, this is where the GOVERNMENT needs to get its sht in line.. Immigrants start in the lowest paid jobs, in dorms, where they can save to rent and finally buy a property. People that cant find work are forced to take ANY job, even move location if necessary. You have to earn these priviledges, if you havn't earnt them, TOUGH- try harder, if its impossible for you, 100% not going to happen no matter how hard you try, then apply for benefits, not before.
ReplyDeleteValid, but illogical conclusions drawn here.
ReplyDeleteYou're ignoring a big fat truth. This system is run by those who have. And those who have not we labor, resources, for their use. We can blame the flawed system, Or blame poor people for being poor and tell them to fix it, which is what you have done in this blog, or we can continue to NOT question the classist and racist systems that are in place, ESPECIALLY in the US... But that won't get at the root of the issues.
It's similar to health and healthcare. We get sick and are prescribed medicine that treats our symptoms or keeps pain and illness at bay. But it doesn't cure. To cure would be to end the business relationship, the reliance on the doctor, and then... Then doctor wouldn't be the rich man/woman he/she is. It doesn't pay to solve the problem... Not for those benefitting.
The issues of the economy are as such. Minimum wage is not a living wage and republicans and conservatives have nothing to say about it... All they say is too many people want hand outs. But how is social mobility even possible? Well, through opportunitfoams making progress, improving ones status of course. And how do we get those opportunities to improve our status? A critical thinking mind knows this is a credentialed society. One must have the papers that say they deserve to be earn more. And how do we get that? 1) that person is either born with it (look at the facts: the rich die rich and the poor die poor) or 2) Education and earning credentials. But guess what? The poor are much, much more likely to be provided A quality education.
Yes, the system is flawed. But too many are looking at symptoms and thinking they see the root causes. Thanks again Jess,
Nagual44
Sorry for the typos... Autocrrect on my phone is a killer. The last line was that's the poor have access to the worst schools in the country and lack of quality education denies people even the opportunity for social mobility to happen in their lives. Only the wealthy enjoy the luxury of receiving a poor education (very unlikely and uncommon) or being poor students and STILL "making it" (see George Bush, former alcoholic and failed businessman who became a president). Most people cannot afford the luxury of failing in school. But MOST people, especially poor people, never get the opportunity in the US to truly improve their status. This is the wealthiest nation and is a nation in so much dept because of the sacrificing of the poor. Uncle penny bags is still with all those penny bags Jess. Why not question that? Why does he still have all that doe? Why is the "little guy" always so hurt by the taxes that he must pay while Mitt Romney pays 13.5% tax on his millions of dollars in income this past year? Taxes aren't the issue. Recognize that the average person should be earning more for their work. If Anything less than a living wage was illegal, in a "land of the free", we would all be in a VERY different position. Deeper again we must go Jess. Again.
DeleteI just read up and saw another issue I didn't address: the blaming of immigrants. This laughable claim is so backward and illogical, ESPECIALLY in the UK and the US where immigrant communities that work low paying jobs enable middle and upper class citizens to enjoy their lifestyle are blamed for the numbers of poor. Think of that. The poor that have come for opportunity are to blame for the poor that are already there. Wow. Brilliant. It's too bad that people often resort to bigotry and xenophobia instead of questioning the people that earn so much from their blood, sweat and tears... And in fact defend the systems that keep those people do wealthy and keep them in a fixed state.
Delete*so wealthy, not do wealthy.
DeleteIf you had asked me a week ago, how many take advantage of the system I would have said prob. more than those that actually deserve it. However, what I failed to realize is the reason I think that is because the people that I know personally (not all, but majority) actually do. They lie to receive TANF, food stamps, medicaid, etc. but in reality the number of those who actually do need it far exceeds the number of those that take advantage of it. You are right the poor do not have the same opportunities as the rich. A child from a poorly funded school would not have the same opportunities to attend an ivy league school such as Harvard or Yale..lack of money and status would keep them out. What I am taught in class over and over is that social mobility, the American Dream, these things are nearly impossible to achieve if you were born into the poor. This issue needs to be addressed on a large scale, people need to look at the broad spectrum and many often ignore this or say it is of unimportance, but in reality the children our or future and if we do not give them the tools they need to become successful what hope does our country have?
Delete...AND, the current problems in society, the struggles that underprivileged and poor people must endure will not be addressed. As long as we blame the poor for the conditions they are born into and naively think that it's just a matter of hard work that will help them, we will continue to be PART OF THE PROBLEM.
ReplyDeleteComplaining about taxes... palease. I live in NY. Taxes are no joke in NY. Higher than most states. But again, the system functions to serve those who already have power. And if you play this game, it's very likely that you are not one of the people who actually have any power. Even if you have some money in savings, a house, car, etc. I'm till baffled by laws that enable multimillionaires like Mitt Romney who earn over $40 million a year pay 13.5% in taxes while I, who earn a small fraction of his income pay +30%! So the issue is not the paying of taxes. The issue is the whole system that allows for such corruption.
Who benefited from going to war in Iraq and Afghanistan. None of us. I'll tell you who did. People who invest in military spending and people who invest in the reconstruction of large cities. So again, very few members of our society. And yet we vote for people who take us there. We believe that it''s a matter of freedom. LOL. And then, as the nations budget continues to be squandered on the killing of poor people from other countries by the poorest of our country, while our government negotiated with the rich powerful elite of the countries we attack, we, at home, complain about taxes. Then our representatives vote to give less to education, the only real way to change this system, and the tail continues to wag the dog.
New York taxes are no joke.
DeleteThe crux of the issue is simple, the most qualified people to effect change are not in the positions to do so. You could have the greatest ideas of all time. You could be a great leader. We will never know, you cant afford to run. Obama spent $750 million on his 2008 campaign. In 2007 Romney spent $110 million, $44 million of that was his own money and he didn't even get the nomination. Most who could afford to spend $44 million of their own money, don't want to be elected because its a massive pay cut. Many of the ones who could be great, don't have the money. Without the backing of a major political party, which operates within the system, you won't win. Just ask Ron Paul or Ralph Nader. They consider 1% of the vote a moral victory, I call it a bad investment.
federal money into education is a joke too. You're right about the inequality of education here in the US. The fix isn't to have the Fed step in (how has that whole "no child left behind" worked out for us?). The fix is to level the playing field on the state level. use a flat sales tax for education and distribute the money equally.
ReplyDeleteNo child left behind...well it was a joke...a lot of wasted money..and yes no child gets left behind now they get shoveled through the system, if children can't meet the standards set, well then just lower the standards..yes that is the way to help a child prepare to build a successful future. But like Jesse said those that would be great leaders for our country do not have the financial backing and wouldn't stand a chance. pretty sad when you think about it :(
DeleteI agree rachel. And, there isn't a fix within the framework of our current law. Only those from the establishment can even qualify to run. These people are funded by corporate dollars and special interest. We hold no sway. Yes, we can choose between 3 stooges, but in the end we still have a stooge. It's a rigged game. It's why I said, anything short of another revolution is not enough.
DeleteIf things do not drastically change we will never have a level playing field in education, I do not see a fix to solve that problem, of course I like any other American can make suggestions but nothing I would propose would even be looked at by the government because I am not a person in power. Many complain about the free lunch programs and want to cut them out, but what some do not realize in a lot of cases that may be in reality the only meal that child gets to eat. Last year my son wanted to take two sandwiches to school everyday would get upset if I forgot to pack an extra one, found out later he was giving his sandwich to a friend who was actually living in the street and his parents were to afraid and ashamed to admit this to the school so no aid was given to them. For one they were afraid a social worker would take their child away. Unfortunately stories like this are becoming more common. The big question still remains what can we do about it? I do not have the solution.
DeleteAnd so we feel sorry for these people Rachel.
DeleteBut the question is, who's responsibility is it to correct this issue? Should we expect our government to provide solutions? For every social program, money has to be spent. That money has to come from somewhere, usually it comes from the middle class taxpayers pocket.
Going a step further, if you had a family member who was homeless, regardless of reason (maybe they are just a bum, maybe they have a medical illness, maybe they are just down on their luck) is it your responsibility to pay for them? Is it the governments? Where is the dividing line between government intervention, familial intervention, and personal responsibility? Most importantly who pays for it all?
If there were a vast treasure trove of funds available, and in this Utopian society everyones needs could be fulfilled leaving people to expand their mind and be creative and artistic, this wouldn't be a problem. Reality is that some people in life will suffer. They will do without. They will be homeless and hungry. Others will not. Who should be responsible for that?
Our nation was built with the promise that people had 3 things: life, liberty, and the PURSUIT of happiness. Not happiness, but the ability to pursuit it. Happiness is not guaranteed. Food, shelter, health insurance, a quality education, a new video game system, a cute pair of shoes, none of this was ever promised nor should it be our governments responsibility to provide it. Our government is WAY too big because it tries to be all things to all people. The government does way too many things that should be in the hands of the private sector. The government should GOVERN. They should regulate. They should enforce. They shouldn't provide. Just my two cents and I know there are quite a few who disagree.
The government has run itself into the ground trying to take on this solution and this is why the taxpayers suffer and most of America. No it should not be anyone's responsibility. I could go on all day long how are welfare system is flawed, and what I believe to be right and wrong. I just think when cuts need to be made they start in the wrong places, like education. Considering Education is the main tool that we have to be successful now it should not be cut as bad as it is and standards should not be lowered because students cannot meet the standards. Yes, the government can save a lot of money by cutting programs, cut the welfare program or at least make it hard to get on it. Unemployment is fine for a short amount of time but when people draw it for several years that is crazy in my opinion (6 months max) that's all the time I will have to start paying back my loans when I graduate so that should be plenty of time to find a job right? I agree and support drug testing for welfare benefits. Leave programs like medicare and social security alone, those people have worked their entire lives for that they have earned it we shouldn't touch it. I do not believe in share the wealth, I just agree with the concept of a level playing field but like I said I do not have a solution to get it that way.
DeleteIf we are to commit to the government in any way then it is partly their responsibility. But it doesn't mean it isn't an individual's also. It is the responsibility of the government to look after the citizens of a nation and that means, in this case, ensure that those with more power and influence cannot take advantage of those without and who are more vulnerable to exploitative tactics.
ReplyDeleteAgain, education is he real equalizer and educational opportunities are not equal. NCLB is a perfect example, again, of treating symptoms and not addressing the root problems. It brings in accountability and attempts to support, but not in a meaningful way that sets schools on a path to success. Instead, it leads to poor performing schools being shut down and the state taking over, which rarely, if ever, works!
regarding drugs, they should be legalized. That would end the border wars since we wouldn't be relying on Mexican cartels to bring in our weed. We could tax the drugs to generate more money.
ReplyDelete...and, if you think about it, alcohol is much more dangerous than most other drugs and it's extremely hypocritical that the tobacco and alcohol lobby is firmly protected in our society but less dangerous drugs are not....
Guess I will find myself in the minority here~ I was born poor~ grew-up in government housing. All we ever worked for was to "get out" of the system.....Hard work and buckle down study put me where I now am~ not "rich" but reasonably comfortable. There is in me that small voice saying "I worked hard for my money so should you" Welfare programs should be a Hand Up not a Hand Out. And don't even get me started on Education! There are opportunites apleanty~ some you just have to look a bit harder to find. Harvard and Yale a nice schools but MANY State Colleges and Universties offer not just an equal education but sometimes a superior one.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, the point on education (I'm a former social worker turner teacher, turner dean, turned principal that was recruited by an international education consultancy group that works to improve schools around the US and in 40+ countries, judging the quality of education at each school) is that it is an unfortunate situation that is possible to change. Yes it's possible to make it in the system, many do- like me. But for many poor people in most developed countries (for you out of touch folks that would be 1st world countries) the poor make it out of poverty or even to college make it DESPITE the poor quality of education available to them. Not because of it. I'm a product of that reality too. But few friends from childhood are right there with me.
Deletehttp://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/02/12/us/entitlement-map.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=thab1
ReplyDeleteFood for thought...