I​t may be the most despised word in the English language - not just the political world. It is a stand-alone word but the three letters T, A, X, are enough to open a torrent of abuse. Call it taxation, or taxability, or preface it with words like income, property, school - any of the many dual words that relate to TAX and you have the beginning of another perfect storm!

W​hat is it about this tiny word that creates anger, dismay, argument, disagreement? Is it because the very definition of the word implies a mandatory action over which one has little or no control. Why is it invariably perceived as a negative word? Is there any time it is used to bring smiles, good cheer, or a burst of new found optimism?

L​et's get to some basic understanding here. Not definitions. For a few minutes, try to shelve the word itself and consider what it stands for. Or, to put it another way - let's call it 'revenue'. Good. More readers are likely to think of revenue in kindly terms. Usually revenue is something positive, a source of income, money coming your way - to buy things, pay bills, live better, actually become a plus in your annual budget.

So, what is the problem? If we did away with word, and banned it from use in any political arena, would that make everyone more positive about intelligent discussion? Put it this way. If we banned any form of TAX in our government dialog how would we make the wheels go 'round? Isn't it necessary to provide a calculated sum of money to do the things that we all seem to need. Things like police and fire forces, also a defense structurethat includes an Army, Navy, Air Force, etc., etc. It is also important to build and maintain the roads and highways that get us from here to there.

O​f course this is a simplistic explanation of what everyone already knows - even appreciates! Taxes are the source of money for the varied levels of government. Call it revenue. As citizens of any country expect their governing fellow citizens to do regularly - make certain there is sufficient revenue to do what has to be done. When taxes rise, everyone cries! Well, which should come first - the anticipated revenue - or an estimate of the necessary cost of delivering what the citizens have come to expect? The answer is so obvious it needs no discussion. Is it fair to say that there will be little joy in town when schools begin to cut teachers, when road are in terrible condition and driving becomes difficult or worse. When there are fewer police on duty, and criminal activity rises proportionately. 

I​t is likely to become the toughest, stickiest, most discouraging aspect of the new congress agenda. As citizens, we should make it known that we understand the need for revenue to run our villages, towns, cities and all of the programs of the Federal government. We should 'grow up'  and behave like adults who know that nothing can happen without revenue. Certainly, we can and should make our opinions known if there are wasteful programs that use up our resources, or might be reduced if enough pressure is brought to bear. We should be fair in the matter of taxation on income when the wealthiest are treated as 'special' considerations. Should we be hesitant to ask the very wealthy to pay their share of the burden of government because they have been fortunate to be at the top of the income list? 

L​et us conclude this attempt to ​rationalize a topic so fraught with dedicated opinions that there may be no way to bring otherwise intelligent legislators to the table with open minds. At the very least, we should carefully observe what our congressmen and women, our senators, say and do about the critical aspects of rising costs, of the expanding level of the deficit, of the loss of revenue from unemployment and closed factories, and always, the absolute need for those who govern to view these topics with a broad view - not just their local constituents. 

I​f you think that the recent elections ​were clear shifts in direction for America, be ready to really fasten seat belts in two years. That is why ViewPoint asks for in depth knowledge of the manner in which your elected representatives handle affairs of State. Be ready in 2012 to vote with knowledge - not emotion, not by new or old party lines. It will help set the course of a generation or more. And remember - taxes are revenue, and revenue is the fuel that runs the country at all levels.  With your understanding, we may even be able to remove TAX from the dirty word list! 

Richard Carlton

November 15, 2010

Issue No. 23