LOTD
Well argued (by a home educator). But I like the idea of being able to opt out of the Iraq war. In WW II the government sold bonds to pay for that war. If Bush tried that today, he might be able to scrounge enough to up-armor two or even three Hummvees.
Taxes pay to maintain and improve public services
This is in response to the reader who wishes to be exempt from school taxes. Although I agree that school districts need to be held more accountable for budgeting and financial decisions, I couldn’t disagree more with the overall premise.
If taxpayers could pick and choose what they wish to pay for, society as a whole would suffer. Everyone could make an argument for choosing not to pay some portion of their taxes. After all, should those who don’t drive fund improvements and maintenance of roads? Should people who don’t swim pay for public pools?
Should those who never smoked fund smoking cessation programs for those who do?
Or should those who don’t agree with the war in Iraq be forced to fund it?
The point is that taxes — whether they be local, state or federal — pay to maintain services and a quality of life we all may enjoy. We are privileged to live in a prosperous country where we can expect to have minimum standards of safety and welfare met. That privilege isn’t without cost.
Having an educated population is a benefit to everyone in this country on many levels. Those who are well-educated can expect to earn a better salary and be better citizens, who in turn will pay taxes so we can fund the American Dream.
I have three children who are educated at home. In Delaware, parents educating their own children get no materials, services or support from their school district or the state. And they still pay school taxes.
Melissa Bower, Newark
4 Responses to “LOTD”
 Comment by JJ Ross April 24th, 2007 at 6:49 pm |
Just not having the draft is sufficient opting out for me, seriously. |
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Comment by JJ Ross April 24th, 2007 at 6:51 pm |
I feel the same about schools of course. Make me send MY child and it’s time for the revolution. |
 Comment by Audrey April 24th, 2007 at 10:17 pm |
You know, JJ… it wouldn’t be the worst thing you ever did if you moved to Canada just to keep your kid out of a war. It’s actually quite lovely up here (says this expat). Even though my son is technically half American, I swear they’ll never get their war-mongering paws on him as long as there’s a breath left in my body. Revolution? Ah… I can dream can’t I? 🙂 |
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Comment by JJ Ross April 25th, 2007 at 12:33 pm |
🙂 |