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It occurs to me as I watch all the political positioning in these final weeks before the election, that we have somehow forgotten some very basic truths.
Truths that are essential to our ability to thrive and prosper. Truths that will help us adapt to our ever-changing reality. Truths that — I think — deserve a quick review now.
Taxes for example, aren’t always a bad thing.
I know, I know — taxes? Boo, hiss. No one wants to part with more of their hard-earned money than they have to, and that includes me. But taxes are a key component of our nation’s budget and without them, we can’t do the things we need and want to do. Properly spent, taxes pay for our roads and bridges. They build the schools our children attend and pay the salaries of the teachers that teach them. Taxes fund our fire departments and police departments, they pave the way for community development and outreach programs and social safety nets. Taxes help us pay for research and exploration, parks and museums, defense and public services.
Just as you need a living wage to fuel your household budget, we need taxes to provide for our community. And anyone that tells you otherwise either doesn’t understand basic economic principles or just doesn’t want to be the bearer of bad news. My guess is it’s most…