Tax Day

This evening I went out to dinner with my wife (who is a tax accountant) to celebrate the end of the tax busy season. While we were there, a friend of mine called for advice about his taxes (I'm also an accountant). We filed our return months ago, so it's somewhat humorous to me how many people are just finishing up. Kind of the post office to stay open late. I just hope none of the postal workers forgot to file their returns, because, man, if they did, they're stuck.

Also, while I was at dinner, I witnessed one of the many "tea parties" to protest legislation coming from the nations capital. I support the cause, but I'm afraid it is somewhat misled. First, as far as I understand, the president doesn't make any legislation. He signs it into law, but he doesn't create it. At least that's how it should be. Second, anyone who thinks the IRS should be eliminated is a fool. Although our government spends way too much money, at least they spend it on us and our well-being. At least we drive on paved roads and we have underground sewage systems. At least we have a military that can defend us. If we eliminate the IRS, I wonder, how will the government collect revenues. If the government doesn't have any revenues, who is going to maintain the roads, the hospitals, the sewers, etc. I agree with all of my soul that the government should spend less, and should spend with more prudence when it must spend, but to eliminate the IRS is totally absurd, even idiotic. Unless there is some alternative means of transferring money from citizen to government that I am missing. The publicans (private tax collectors) of Jesus' time weren't too popular either, so I don't think that would work.

So, that my voice may be heard, I plead with the government: Tax me. Take all that is fair to take from me, and I will do my best to keep all that is fair for me to keep.
And I plead with my fellow citizens, displeased with taxes: Keep the protests coming, but aim well. Foolish protests are counterproductive.