Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said that “taxes... are the dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society.” While no one really wants to pay taxes or give up their hard earned money, taxes are a necessary part of a well-run system of government and a requirement if the citizens of this country expect to continue to rely on public services like roads, schools, and libraries. Without tax money keeping these systems running, they will crumble, leaving us a degenerate shadow of our former grandeur.
This having been said, there is still a real issue as to how to most fairly tax the citizens of a country. Many people don’t have enough money to be able to afford to pay the significant amount of taxation that is required to retain their belongings as well as keep their house, feed their families, and pay for all other daily expenses one encounters in everyday life. Income tax is based off of the amount of money earned by an individual, and is used in most countries around the world. Many people criticize it for supposedly punishing people or working, discouraging savings and investments, and limiting economic growth and helpful competition in business. To help avoid the overtaxation of individuals who cannot afford such, progressive taxation applies increasing tax rates as earnings increase. For example, the first $100,000 may be taxed at 5%, and the next at 10%. A flat tax does nothing to prevent this, with all earnings taxed at the same rate. I believe a progressive form of income tax should be applied, although it should not be the only form of taxation utilized. A sales tax should also continue to be instigated, although not (or very minimally) on food products and other necessary living supplies. Taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, and the like should be more heavily taxed so as to minimize the overuse of these products if possible. Capital gains tax should be grouped with income tax, as it is, although its lower rate as compared to ordinary income is, in my opinion, not really necessary. It is intended to encourage capital investments and as compensation for the effects of inflation, but I don’t see this as enough incentive for lowering the rate. Thusly, a combination of the above forms of taxation should continue to be in use in America.
According to the United States Office of Management and Budget, 19.27% of the US Budget is devoted to National Defense, while only 2.77% goes to Education and Job Training. In fact, 7.22% is devoted to “Other National Defense,” which is just described as that, no more thoroughly. Only .55% goes to Water And Land Management, but without that proper maintaining of our natural resources, this country will quickly be overrun with overwhelming pollution and many of our nation’s most highly valued landmarks will suffer and be quickly destroyed. There is no easy response to how tax money should best be spent, for there are an endless amount of areas that need more government assistance, but I truly believe that more time, effort, and money should be devoted to both education and the preservation of natural resources. Preparing for the future and remembering the past and the world around us are equally important. Both yield benefits for the country, as well- increased productivity in the work force through education and less pollution and misuse of resources at the other.
Most people are loathe to give up their money to a government that they may not trust to do the right thing with it, but these people are also reliant on government highways, transit, food assistance, and unemployment. While taxes may seem bad, they are actually an important part of maintaining a functioning society.
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