You know those stupid little placards that show up all the
time on Facebook? Where some dimwit
posts up some aphorism they feel is profound.
They typically have some questionable quote and a picture. One recently came to my attention attributed
to President Jimmy Carter, I am sure you have seen it:
If you don’t want your tax dollars to help the poor, then STOP saying that you want a country based on Christian Values, Because you don’t….!!
This quote was not said by Jimmy Carter but apparently by American actor and comedian John Fugelsang and it brings up the interesting issue of taxation and morality. Does Mr. Fugelsang really think my countries value system depending on my paying taxes so the government can redistribute my tax dollars to the poor? Is government (any government) the only organization capable of helping the poor? Might the poor be much better off if I paid less in taxes and gave the extra to local charities or to my church? Are there not ample reasons to question the efficiency and effectiveness of American aid to the poor?
The “morality” of paying taxes (if there is any) is simple, the taxpayer follows the law and the Government has the burden to take as little as it needs and spend it prudently. Of course the government has a role in aiding the poor as they are best suited to a broad based effort to alleviate poverty but my personal morality is not dependent on those efforts. While I might like a government that reflects my values it is unlikely to happen, consequently my values are in my care, and it is the values of the citizens that determine the values of the county.
Having been a CPA for many years I am constantly shocked at doing tax returns for wealthy individuals who give virtually nothing to charity. Conversely I see returns for folks of modest means that give substantial amounts to charity. I would offer up to Mr. Fugelsang that this is where the nation’s adherence to Christian Values lives NOT in its proclivity to pay taxes and to have its wealth redistributed to government approved “charities.”
