Tax Animals Out of Control

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Tax Animals Out of Control
by April Shenandoah, Columnist

August 11, 2003

Columnist April Shenandoah As I arrived in Florence, Alabama, I just missed hearing Republican Governor Bob Riley pitch his controversial tax plan at the local high school. He is counting on the teachers vote as well as expecting students to persuade their parents. At a town hall meeting the night before, he laid out his $1.2 billion tax package to about 600 residents. According to the Times Daily newspaper he said he will have to cut Medicaid and tell 6,900 occupants of nursing homes that they would have to find somewhere else to live. He also said the state needs approximately 600 new troopers, and that without funds the prisons would remain overcrowded. Riley is using fear tactics to manipulate voters in to believing that they have no other choice but to do the "right" thing - voting for the largest tax-hike in the states history. Riley has been distributing hundreds of his 44 page booklet titled "Laying the Foundation for Greatness."

When the governor touted the tax plan as one's "Christian duty", the Christian community came unglued. Yes, it is a Christian duty to help those who cannot help themselves; however, it is up to churches, friends, and family to assist others - NOT THE GOVERNMENT! Remember Russia? The "all for one and one for all" system failed big-time. The message sounds good, but "the people" end up waiting in bread lines! Soon, and very soon, Americans will be shaken out of their dream-like-state and realize that they are nothing more than robotic-slaves, working for their fat-cat-thieving-government.

In the mid 1800s income tax was implemented temporarily. However, in 1895 the U.S. Supreme Court decided income tax was unconstitutional. Then the 16th Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1913, making the income tax as permanent as cement. People were paying 3% of their income in taxes in 1928, compared to today's 40% (and higher) -- working four to six months strictly for the government. What are you willing to pay --70%, 80%, maybe 90%? Where will it stop and who is going to stop it?

Tax revenue secretly lines many-a-pocket and rarely finds its way to the intended source. Schools, hospitals, fire departments and most community and state services, still remain under-funded. If all tax and lottery monies went where they were supposedly allotted, every state's budget would be balanced and taxes would become stabilized. From city councils to Capitol Hill, there are million dollar tax and spend programs that boggle the mind! Most Americans do not have a clue where and how THEIR MONEY is being spent. The government is wasting YOUR money -- insanely!

If taxes helped the human condition there would be no need for me to complain and write articles like this one. But the fact remains that Americans are working harder and earning (taking home) less. We are being educated toward dependency rather than liberty. Government rewards us when we fail and taxes us when we succeed. Sadly, the men and women who have worked and supported the government all their lives, are now losing their homes because they cannot afford to pay the higher taxes. We say we need to send millions to help the poor in other countries, yet we are kicking old people out of their homes in this country. Shame on us!

Governor Riley is either a liar or he is being strong-armed by someone. During his campaign he was adamantly against raising taxes. After reading the many education and accountability reforms that Riley has set forth in the package, I will admit he argues a good case. In fact, he managed a standing ovation at the close of his talk in Florence. But then again, that's what politicians do! Their rhetoric is designed to persuade and convince. The campaign for this tax package is being run as if it is a matter of life and death -- sparing no expense -- using tax payer's money to promote his plan.

Check out www.taxonyou.com to determine how much you (Alabamans) will lose to this tax hike EVERY year. Voters are encouraged to vote NO September 9th. Regardless of what state you are from JUST VOTE NO to increasing tax proposals. If THEY don't have it right by now, THEY never will! ***

Photo of April Shenandoah courtesy of GOPUSA

April Shenandoah's Internet home is: http://www.politicsandreligion.tv