The so called TEA Party activists say they are taxed too much. I see them on television with their strident, "get the government off my back" comments. I wonder if any of them have ever given much thought to their statements.
Let me propose a modern parable:
It’s Friday morning. The Smith family is getting ready for another busy day. John Smith has just finished a brief shower. He doesn't want to waste water. He hears his wife, Mary, calling to the children, “Johnny! Jane! Come and get your breakfast. You’ll both be late for school.” John enters the kitchen and turns on the weather report. John Jr. enters and says to anyone who is listening, “I hope you can come to the park this afternoon. If our little league team wins, we can be in the playoffs.” Jane adds, “And I need someone to come with me to the DMV so I can get my learner’s permit.”
As John finishes his breakfast he hears a car pull into the driveway. His car is in the shop for repairs, and his friend Tom is driving him to work. He’s glad Tom can pick him up. He took the bus the day before, but it will be more direct with Tom driving. As John leaves he gives Mary a kiss. He knows she is going to have a busy day. She is a public health nurse, and there has been an outbreak of Measles in the city.
As John and Tom drive to work on the freeway they see an accident on the side of the road. There are several emergency vehicles present, including ones from the fire department and the highway patrol, as well as one from a local city police department.
Tom’s car radio is tuned to a news station, and the two men listen to the reports about a major earthquake in another country. Their state National Guard is preparing a plane to transport medical aid, and the Navy is sending an aircraft carrier with helicopters to bring supplies to the victims.
As they approach their office building, John notices a sign on the bank building next door. The bank was closed by the government a few days before, because of unsound lending policies, but the sign reminds depositors that their funds are insured by the FDIC.
/ / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \
This modern parable is addressed to all of those who want to “get the government off my back” or who believe we are “Taxed Enough Already.” All of the items in italics in this parable are funded wholly or in part by tax dollars. Most of us go about our daily lives without thinking of the many ways our life is made safer and more convenient by the taxes we pay.
Is building and maintaining our infrastructure essential or wasteful? Is ensuring clean, safe water essential or wasteful? A volunteer fire department is less expensive, and vigilanty justice is cheaper and quicker. What are your priorities? You decide.
