Taxation
No one likes paying taxes. We all recognize that it is a necessary evil. Where we differ is how much money our government requires to meet its obligations. Obviously, taxation is inseparably tied to spending. Our views on government spending and, in turn, taxation are based on our opinion of the basic function of government, as in most policy matters.
I have a broader view of government's role than most. People of most political persuasions agree that matters of national security and defense are justifiable uses of governmental authority and public expenditure. While I believe the military's role should be limited to one of pure defense, I do support investment in advanced technology and weapons systems aimed at minimizing the risk of human casualties. For a successful economy, it is imperative that the government invests in vital infrastructure, in the building of roads and communication networks. Also critical to a successful economy is education. Public schools and universities deserve a great deal of consideration for funding to ensure that America is best equipped to compete in the global economy. Finally, there is absolutely no reason why poverty should exist in a modern civilized democracy. Government has the capacity to eradicate poverty and provide a helping hand up, not a hand out, for our most vulnerable citizens. This includes, healthcare, public housing, Social Security, and some innovative welfare to work programs.
In meeting the priorities that I have set forth, revenues should be raised to a sufficient level to fully fund them, within our own means. I vehemently disagree with the creation of a federal debt. If our spending requirements exceed our revenues, the level of taxes should be reexamined and raised, if necessary. I think if the government exercised better planning and analysis, there would be little need to raise or decrease taxes as often as it currently does. Circumstances change and more taxes are need at some times than others. With proper analysis, anticipation of the worst case scenarios, and maintenance of a fair and reasonable surplus fund to absorb unexpected expenses.
Government does not have carte blanche with spending. The amount of taxes raised should be sufficient to meet its obligations, including a surplus buffer fund, but not a cent more. There are other very vital steps that can be taken to decrease taxes without abandoning funding mandates. Waste, fraud, and abuse is rampant within the government. We have all heard the horror stories of $100 hammers and $5,000 toliet seat. Sadly, these examples are not that extreme, nor are they rare occurrences.
Also, the corrupt practices of "earmarking" and pork barrel spending, perfected by Republicans, are in fact, the major reason why taxes are often perceived to be too high. A costly military invasion of a foreign nation is hardly what I consider fiscal prudence either, but that is a discussion for another day. The Republican party usually campaigns on lowering taxes and cutting spending, when in fact, all they want is to spend more on themselves and their friends at the expense of those who truly need it. If we want true tax reform, we will put an end to Republican corruption, cut wasteful spending, and prosecute fraud to the fullest extent, all while honoring our financial and moral committments.
After cleaning up the mess left behind from the Republican drunken orgy of power, we can begin to look at common sense reforms to the tax system. I would begin by analyzing the legitimate necessary expenditures, given the priorities I have outlined, over the past few decades to determine a fair amount of revenue need to be raised. Every effort should be made to implement a flat tax rate or a very simple graduated rate scale that would be easy to understand. Groups living below the poverty line should be exempt. For the most part, loopholes should be eliminated for individuals and corporations. Loopholes in the tax code have been abused and exploited for far too long. With a fair and uncomplicated tax code, everyone should be required to pay their fair share, lowering the liability for everyone.
I have a broader view of government's role than most. People of most political persuasions agree that matters of national security and defense are justifiable uses of governmental authority and public expenditure. While I believe the military's role should be limited to one of pure defense, I do support investment in advanced technology and weapons systems aimed at minimizing the risk of human casualties. For a successful economy, it is imperative that the government invests in vital infrastructure, in the building of roads and communication networks. Also critical to a successful economy is education. Public schools and universities deserve a great deal of consideration for funding to ensure that America is best equipped to compete in the global economy. Finally, there is absolutely no reason why poverty should exist in a modern civilized democracy. Government has the capacity to eradicate poverty and provide a helping hand up, not a hand out, for our most vulnerable citizens. This includes, healthcare, public housing, Social Security, and some innovative welfare to work programs.
In meeting the priorities that I have set forth, revenues should be raised to a sufficient level to fully fund them, within our own means. I vehemently disagree with the creation of a federal debt. If our spending requirements exceed our revenues, the level of taxes should be reexamined and raised, if necessary. I think if the government exercised better planning and analysis, there would be little need to raise or decrease taxes as often as it currently does. Circumstances change and more taxes are need at some times than others. With proper analysis, anticipation of the worst case scenarios, and maintenance of a fair and reasonable surplus fund to absorb unexpected expenses.
Government does not have carte blanche with spending. The amount of taxes raised should be sufficient to meet its obligations, including a surplus buffer fund, but not a cent more. There are other very vital steps that can be taken to decrease taxes without abandoning funding mandates. Waste, fraud, and abuse is rampant within the government. We have all heard the horror stories of $100 hammers and $5,000 toliet seat. Sadly, these examples are not that extreme, nor are they rare occurrences.
Also, the corrupt practices of "earmarking" and pork barrel spending, perfected by Republicans, are in fact, the major reason why taxes are often perceived to be too high. A costly military invasion of a foreign nation is hardly what I consider fiscal prudence either, but that is a discussion for another day. The Republican party usually campaigns on lowering taxes and cutting spending, when in fact, all they want is to spend more on themselves and their friends at the expense of those who truly need it. If we want true tax reform, we will put an end to Republican corruption, cut wasteful spending, and prosecute fraud to the fullest extent, all while honoring our financial and moral committments.
After cleaning up the mess left behind from the Republican drunken orgy of power, we can begin to look at common sense reforms to the tax system. I would begin by analyzing the legitimate necessary expenditures, given the priorities I have outlined, over the past few decades to determine a fair amount of revenue need to be raised. Every effort should be made to implement a flat tax rate or a very simple graduated rate scale that would be easy to understand. Groups living below the poverty line should be exempt. For the most part, loopholes should be eliminated for individuals and corporations. Loopholes in the tax code have been abused and exploited for far too long. With a fair and uncomplicated tax code, everyone should be required to pay their fair share, lowering the liability for everyone.
posted by Beau Guthrie | 8:06 AM
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