We are all cowards

So, two days ago I wrote about knowing who’s money we are spending.  I reminded us that every time a government, any government, talks about spending money on a project it is our money they are spending.  A government has no money of its own.  I finished that post by saying that we are all cowards.  Now let me explain.

Our tax system has always been progressive.  That’s really not an appropriate term to describe it because what it really means is that our government takes money from those who have it and gives it to those who don’t.  If you make less than $20,000 per year then you likely pay no income taxes at all.  (please note here that income taxes are completely different than taxes like social security).  If you make more than $200,000 per year then you get taxed very heavily.  Seems fair right? 

Before I go too much farther I want to make sure you understand me completely.  There are real and legitimate reasons to take tax money and give it to the poor and needy.  It is certainly not in our country’s best interest to have people homeless and without food and shelter.  But what about the lady we’ve all seen in the grocery line that pays for milk and orange juice with food stamps and then plops a $20 down for a pack of cigs?   What about that uncle you found out lost his job and is not looking for a new one because ‘he can make just as much on unemployment’?  We’ve all seen them and we all know them.

Now, how would that lady or that uncle behave differently if instead they had to ask their neighbors (who apparently have more money) for their weekly stipend?  Well, they wouldn’t ask.  Why?  Because we are all cowards.  We stand behind our government while it robs those who have more and gives it to us.  Those who get government handouts (and yes they are all handouts) have a moral responsibility to work their a** off to quit taking the handouts.  But as long as they can stand in the shadows and let their government do the dirty work, that’s not going to change.

Am I suggesting that we just turn away from our poor and needy?  Nope.  Our government could run a very effective tax system that is fair for all and funds handouts for those who need it.  But is the federal government really the one who should be involved here?  I’ll get to that next time.

Now quit reading this blog and go get a job!  :)