TAXES

TAXES: I have just emptied my piggy bank to pay my taxes. Relying on me are two governments and hundreds of politicians all of whom claim they are working hard for my interests. It is good of them to tell me as I would not recognize this on my own. Congress is in gridlock and Harper sent Parliament packing for two months, implying politicians are redundant as the Civil Service runs the show anyway. To really serve my interests they are not spending wisely or belt tightening or taxing me nearly enough to fund what I consider important for our one world and all its inhabitants.

Canada is in much better financial shape perhaps because it ranks 33rd highest while the US is 48th among world countries in taxes levied. Also it lacks a huge military believed necessary to control a huge empire. While Canada takes most of my taxes, it is still not enough to avoid a current deficit, like it was for a dozen recent years.

Debt? The US is #1 in owing $13.6 trillion to other countries while Canada ranks #15 owing $762 billion. The US is so much more in need of my money that they tax some of what Canada has already taxed!

I am told I should be grateful they do not demand more of my money - but, my peace of mind is shattered by that howl of anguish coming from future generations and I wonder how much of that is my fault and am I doing enough to lessen their burden? I would happily pay taxes if I could feel they were solving our problems and not just paying interest on what is owed to the rest of the world.

As government is non-profit, if we exclude salaries and perks, it should provide the most economical means of accomplishing our goals from health care to space exploration. They do have good and dedicated people. Why does private enterprise often surpass them? Competition? Or is it the fact that, in the USA, expensive elections never end and politicians must devote far too much time, energy, and money in politicking rather than governing. Would you call this a democracy, flawed more than it need be?