Strangechord

A ballot initiative signature gatherer just knocked on our door. He was looking for me to sign a petition to get a politican term limits initiative on the November ballot. I read it over, and as I was signing it, he asked me in a leading tone of voice, “So how do you feel about the new Multnomah County tax?” (Multnomah County is the Portland county I live in and this year residents paid an extra 1.25% county tax on April 15th to help out local schools, seniors, and other services. Voters approved it last year.)

He was ready to whip out another petition about repealing this county tax. I stopped him dead when I said, “I didn’t mind it. I think taxes are the price one pays to live in a society where there are certain benefits.” As he looked at me, wide-eyed, I continued, “I’m not anti-tax; I guess that’s rare! I look it at it that we citizens pay taxes to provide for a social service safety net. The vast majority of people would freak out if they woke up tomorrow and all of that was gone.” He chuckled nervously and then said that it depended how the tax money was spent. I agreed, and said that of course I believe in accountability. He acquiesced, commenting that the tax was mostly for schools and all.

Judging by the fellow’s reaction, I suppose he’s used to people grumbling about taxes and eager to get them repealed. This is so strange to me. It seems so many Americans want to have their cake and eat it too. They want good schools, environmental cleanup, public transportation, Social Security, drug coverage for seniors, libraries, etc., but they complain their asses off about paying taxes and many jump at the chance to repeal them and vote for politicians who promise to cut them. Don’t people realize by now that other things usually have to get cut in the process?

Jeremy and I are by no means well-off, of course, but I have no problem giving money away to what I consider good causes. I give frequently to non-profits and charities, spend more to buy organic and local food, send what I can to my low-incom e mother who lives on Social Security Disability (which isn’t nearly enough), and don’t mind paying local taxes that go towards schools and social services. What else am I going to spend my money on - big screen TVs and SUVs? Hah! However, I do mind that I pay tax money that goes towards the military/defense budget. That really pisses me off and makes me very tempted to become a war tax resister one of these days.