The morality of taxes

It is evident to this longtime Republican that the subject of taxes, especially raising taxes, has become a dirty word with both of the major political parties.

Like any other American, I hate to see our taxes wasted on “earmarks” and other “pork projects.”

And even when the taxes are used for worthwhile programs – e.g. education, infrastructure maintenance and similar social programs – we hate to see them poorly handled through incompetence, ignorance or just plain dishonesty.

Nevertheless, such nation-building programs are essential to democracy. Poor handling of funds should certainly be punished, but that does not mean that the programs are not needed. They should not be reduced or cancelled as a punishment.

I see pay-as-you-go as a good Republican principle, and raising taxes to meet our moral obligation is not wrong, just unpopular.

Our government’s policy of borrowing billions from overseas sources instead of facing up to reality is wrong.

The money we are squandering on foreign oil, foreign military aid, unpopular wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the defense industry should be paid for now. Sloughing the costs off on unborn generations is immoral.

This government’s spending spree would end quickly if we raised our own taxes to pay for it.

Robert F. Green