Taxes Support Our Way Of Life
Dear Ann Landers: Last year, after many long hours of organizing my tax records, figuring on my calculator and trying to make sense of the mind-boggling tax laws, I finally put my return in the mail and breathed a sigh of relief. Lo and behold, I was due a refund! Shortly after, I read a letter to the editor in the Anchorage Daily News and couldn’t help but smile. This year, I thought I’d send it along for you to share with your readers. Isn’t it nice to hear a positive note about taxes for a change? -Longtime Fan in Alaska
Dear Alaska: It certainly is. Bashing the Internal Revenue Service has become a national indoor sport. The upbeat tone of that letter may help take the sting out of writing that check to the government. Here’s the letter:
“Dear Editor: I have just paid the balance of my income tax - annual total of about $7,000. What am I getting for my money?
“For starters, I have an interest in the best Air Force in the world. I contribute to the greatest Navy in existence. A few of my dollars go to the finest Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army of any nation. I even provide a bit of support to every state and city’s schools, highways, police protection, welfare and civic needs. I am sure I could come up with many, many more places that my taxes go, but how lucky can I be to have my money invested in all this?
“I even have enough - after taxes - to live comfortably and help my three children and grandchildren, and I am happy to be a part of the greatest nation in the world. I am a 71-year-old, second-generation Alaskan and World War II U.S. Air Force vet. - Emitt Soldin, Anchorage.”
Dear Emitt: Too bad more people don’t have your attitude. I hope it’s contagious. Keep reading for more on the subject:
Dear Ann Landers: My brother works for the Internal Revenue Service. He works very hard at the thankless job of trying to keep the taxpayers honest. If it weren’t for my brother and his colleagues, a lot of people would never pay their taxes and many others would pay only a fraction of what they should. He is performing a valuable (and essential) service, which no one seems to appreciate.
I’ll admit I’m a conservative on economic issues. I believe Congress ought to balance the budget and decrease taxes. We all pay too much, and for many, it is a heavy burden. However, that is not my brother’s fault. It’s the fault of those who write tax legislation.
My poor beleaguered brother never tells anyone what he does for a living because he is tired of the nasty comments and tasteless jokes directed at him. Maybe after reading my letter, Americans will treat IRS agents with a little more respect. No name, please. Just -San Diego Sister
Dear San Diego Sister: Nobody enjoys paying taxes, but everybody wants good schools, wonderful highways, beautiful parks, safe streets, quality judges, an effective defense system and a Social Security safety net.
All of the above are paid for with tax dollars, whether city, state or federal. America is the greatest country in the world, but it can’t give us everything for free. If we want the better things in life, we have to be willing to pay for them. Your taxes are due tomorrow. Please support our country by paying your share of the bill. (P.S.: Pay promptly, or you will have to pay more in interest and penalties down the road.)