thanks but no thanks
by Michelle Curtiss
Published: March 26, 2008
I am a dissatisfied beneficiary of American Socialism. I am not looking forward to the rebate checks coming in May and I want to receive large tax refund checks in the mail only when I’ve paid even larger amounts in taxes. In other words, it can only be called a “return” when the tax refund is less than or equal to the amount of taxes paid during the preceding calendar year. Otherwise it’s called “theft.” My parents raised me to be an honest law abiding citizen. I don’t think that stealing is ever right, even if it is legal.
No, I’m not crazy. It’s just that I believe taxes are constitutional only when they pay for the provisions laid out by… the Constitution. “… in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity… ” Beyond that, I don’t believe it is correct to demand a single penny more.
Memo to all those ecstatic that I used the “promote the general welfare” line:
“Welfare” in this context has nothing to do with a State dole. That’s just a clever trick by the Left to use the same word and avoid arguments with those who know the difference.
Fact: currently, the government is too large and oversteps its bounds too frequently. We should, as a people, pay fewer taxes, and do so by reducing entitlements (That includes any proposed government sponsored trips to the mall: i.e. refund checks).
I am married with two kids and up until last December my husband and I have been college students for the last seven years. My husband worked part-time and we lived as many students do, on grants and student loans, and, yes, even one credit card.
While many of our friends around us were taking everything they could get in the way of housing assistance, food stamps and other social programs, we used only what we needed for very limited amounts of time. For example, we had Medicaid when both of our children were born, but we also had private insurance to limit the amount of assistance we would receive. We used WIC and even food stamps for a few months, but later decided that we could tighten up our finances a little more and avoid accepting handouts.
I could tell you stories about how hard it is to get off government assistance. Those who should be safeguarding the trust of distributing such funds were very critical of our refusal to take more than we needed and suggested that our children would suffer. I am of the opinion that personal responsibility is never bad. Besides, we honestly didn’t need the money.
Lots of people think we are absurd and prod us to “take what we can get.” I can’t tell you how often I hear things like, “Who doesn’t want a free baby?” Along the same vein, the other day I heard a couple of friends talking about getting their rebate checks and what they would spend them on. One even said, “We aren’t supposed to pay off debt or save the money so I am going to buy… ” I cringed.
Here’s the bottom line: we are selling ourselves into slavery. The government is creating a false sense of dependence and entitlement and it is going to backfire. Right now in America, socialism is thriving. The real trick for politicians is not to lead the country by enacting sound economic policy, but to make sure that everybody gets a check. After all, voters love politicians who give them “free” money? Unfortunately, the few who understand that it’s not really “free” are turned to the fiscal dark side by the adage, “You should take the money because you pay for it with your taxes.”
Wake up, America! The best methods for caring for people never come through the government. When you exchange liberty - the freedom to make choices based on your own conscience, to make choices about your own property, to make choices about your own life - for a false sense of security, you end up depressed, poor and unhealthy.
“Free” entitlements, just like “free” rebate checks, create a false sense on the part of the recipient that the money just appears; it discounts the sacrifice and effort of those who worked hard to earn that money in the first place. Imagine if every time you actually needed money you had to go to a real person, face to face, and ask them for their own money. You might be a little more apt to recognize the sacrifice they are making for you and use the money more wisely. Secondly, it cost money for the government to administer these programs, thereby reducing the actual dollars that get to those in need. The best method is the good old-fashioned practice of turning to your family and friends for support. Real people helping real people and relationships being strengthened by sacrifice.
Of course, there is always the alternative; let the government hassle with the details of taking care of the citizenry after paying out excessive amounts in taxes - then fight with your spouse about money. Take every handout you can get but do nothing to save for your retirement - then count on a bankrupt government retirement fund in your golden years. Slave your whole life to get ahead while never quite making it - but never quite failing either. And hey, if at life’s end you find yourself a little short, never fear, the government will pick up the tab for your miserable life.
—
(email this article or post to social network)
—
April 27th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Wow! That is a well written and very thoughtful piece. You bring up some incredibly valid points that are good food for thought. Thanks!