Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Guess what time it is!

Tax Time

I'm in favor of cutting taxes under any circumstances and for any excuse, for any reason, whenever possible.”
Milton Friedman

It's that time of year when we weary Americans drag out all the receipts and power bills and mortgage statements, and slog our way through the ordeal of figuring out how much money we owe the government—in my case, both state and federal. I have gotten to the point that if there is any possible way to count something as a deduction, I take it. It's not that I want to cheat the government out of money, I do after all enjoy driving on paved roads, and drinking clean water, and knowing that I am somewhat protected from foul play. It's just that there are no coins in the fountain; there is no money tree growing in the back yard, no angel of mercy coming to my rescue.

We, who supposedly have the best that money can buy in the way of civil services, are unduly burdened with taxes to support the elevated cost of living in a country that offers such services. Our food and medicine and housing and power costs are higher than anywhere in the world. On the other hand, we do have a ready supply of all those services, and for that I am grateful. I can't begin to imagine what having power only two hours a day would mean, or having no clean water at all. I've never had to wash my clothes in the river, or bake myself in a sauna because there is no running water for bathing. I can go to the grocery store and stock up on whatever I want to eat, within reason, and put gas in my car. I can go to a doctor when I'm sick. These are all blessings I tend to overlook because they are always there.

This morning, while I'm meeting with my tax adviser, I will remember that I live in a country which is, comparatively, blessed beyond measure. And, even though there is no good fairy, and no deep pocket to draw from, I am contributing my small nickle to that array of dependable services. I am doing my part. And being able to do my part is, in itself, a blessing.

                                                   In the Spirit,

                                                      Jane

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