I have been paying taxes since I was fourteen. That is 68 years paying all types of taxes from payroll, sales, excise and property to income taxes.
I never complained about the taxes I pay and I pay far more than most of those complaining the loudest.
My children were educated because of taxes, my family protected, utilities made available, my healthcare was improved, others less fortunate citizens helped, roads and parks provided and maintained and so much more.
Like everyone else I paid taxes on my earned income not on my net worth and not on the unrealized growth of my assets.
I use available legal means to minimize my tax liability.
Is the spending of tax money always done with utmost efficiency? Of course not, but neither is all the spending in any private organization or within a household for that matter.
Taxes are legal, and necessary and you are not being ripped off.
My first part-time job was below minimum wage at the time, my first job after high school was just a few cents above minimum wage.
I didn’t stay in those jobs. I educated myself, gained experience, took on new responsibilities, put in extra effort like doing some work at home unpaid or doing work not actually required of my job.
Anyone who has a minimum wage or low paying job and expects that staying in that job with occasional raises will give them the life they seek is fooling themselves.
You need to increase your value to an employer and to seek and accept more responsibility.
And never say “that’s not my job.”
It’s time to stop moaning about taxes and your hourly pay and get your own life and finances in order. Nobody is going to do it for you…ever.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
You need to increase your value to an employer and to seek and accept more responsibility.
And never say “that’s not my job.” Without being able to state it as concisely as you have, the above represents how I conducted myself for my entire career. Everything that was “not my job” represented to me an opportunity to grown, learn and become more valuable to my employer. That mantra served me well… Smith SmallwoodCharleston, SC
LikeLike
Yup, but so many people just don’t get it.
LikeLike
“…but neither is all the spending in any private organization..” Yes, but with few exceptions – you’re not required to a private organizations goods or services. The government required you to pay taxes under the threat of incarceration, or worse. Big difference. the government has an obligation to spend your money wisely and efficiently.
LikeLike
purchase a private organizations goods or services
LikeLike
I agree, but practically government is people, many average people and it’s not easy to stay motivated to be efficient when nobody cares and Congress is so inefficient and irresponsible itself.
LikeLike
A bit depressing, but I can’t say that you’re wrong.
LikeLike
Al Lindquist:
Folks should always be moaning about taxes as it is a cost we pay and we have the right to question the value we receive. When we buy goods or services we shop around looking for the best buy–one does not do that with taxes, we just pay up, but we should always moan and question.
Usually the taxes we pay help support the nanny state thus more and more rules and regulations. For some people it is a reason to leave a sate and head elsewhere. The obvious question is; what do I receive for what I am paying–the same question we ask in private sector exchanges. Taxes are mandated of course so our will is known at the ballot. In local areas with property taxes funding public schools dominated by teacher’s unions there is a lot of moaning but not much choice.
I moan and pay–just like when renewing auto and home insurance or our health insurance.
Do I want my federal taxes paying for certain programs, or rounding up illegals and lawbreakers? I reserve my right to bemoan but, as you say ,it’s my life and finances so basically just accept it.
LikeLike