A few words about taxes. Being an old guy, I've paid a lot of taxes. It would be amusing to add them all up and see exactly how much I've invested in local, state, and federal governments. It would be a pretty penny. So perhaps I can claim some qualifications for writing about taxes.
I am heartened by some of the reports I've read that Republican legislators are beginning to soften their anti-tax stand in the face of our deficit and budgetary problems. About bleeping time, I say. Some, apparently, are even leaning towards repudiating the idiot pledge that Grover Norquist talked them into. For a legislator to pledge that he or she will not vote for a tax increase is beyond silly. It's irresponsible. The crux of the problem is that the Republicans since Reagan (who raised taxes early and often, in spite of his rhetoric) have equated taxes with evil. Though there can certainly be "bad" taxes, the support of government operations through taxation as a function is value free. So there can be "good" taxes just as there can be "bad" taxes. Functionally, taxes are dues, what we must each cough up to pay for the services that we receive: defense, roads, police, fire protection, safe water, safe food, and, yes, economic security (both what we call the "safety net" and the controls and oversight needed -- nay, required -- to keep the market honest). Dues. Not evil.
Do I want my tax contributions spent wisely, efficiently, and well? Of course I do. I try to exercise my vote carefully to make that happen. Does it bother me that I may pay more taxes than someone earning less than I? Not in the least. Does it bother me that I may pay more taxes than someone earning more than I? You bet your life it does. Dues should be fair.
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