An opinion editorial written by Michael Landauer, assistant editor, dated February 19, 2010, from the Dallas Morning News entitled: Whats your favorite tax? , apparently written to try to ease the minds of Texans. While trying to quench the thoughts of those who are in disagreement of the Gas Tax and its need to be raised. I found this to be a good eye opening read , telling us that we need to watch out. Michael states the Gas Tax is his favorite tax. That it is fair for all, and we can control how much we pay into it. He writes, it encourages good behavior, cleans our air and eases congestion on our roads. He seams to think it's a transparent and stable tax, that grows as our economy grows. That it doesn't give our Texas Government a blank check with it's funds. He tries to put the blame on our "lack" of government's courage and foresight for the need to raise this tax. But yet, he adds that there are exceptions that are included in this tax, which shift the burden to the homeowners.
The points Michael raise here, about this being a good tax, are a mute points if you are "Joe the Plumber". Our Texas Government pulls in over 77.5 billion (2009) dollars annually in taxes and puts it to use where and when they deem necessary. Such as, writing a $10,000 a month check for our Governor to live in a rental, while the governors mansion is under a 3 million dollar or more renovation. Which by the way, was under construction before the arson of the mansion.
Michael tries to convenience us that it's a good tax, and that it will grow as the economy grows. If this were the case, than why has it not kept pace? Let it ride the downfall like we Texan's have to.
Michael also tries to compensate the need to raise this tax by throwing the burden of our traffic problem onto our Texas Government. Saying "Officials either need to raise the rate or let the traffic get worse." Telling us our elected officials have chosen worse traffic because they are "Lacking courage of foresight." This is not the case, they (Texas Government) have taken huge steps to elevate the problem by widening some roads and building toll roads.
If we take what Michael has written here into consideration, it tells us that our Texas Government needs to stop giving exceptions from taxes. To everyone, not just some. If not totally for good, on all taxes, at least until a few problems are elevated. Such as our transportation and our deficit.
As an American who is a proud Texan speaking, my favorite tax would have to be "no tax hike." But as a Texan proud to live in America we have to pay our dues. No way around it. But, there are other ways to produce money for our government other than raising taxes for our citizens. If we can learn anything here its that the people of Texas need to stand up and take notice.
The points Michael raise here, about this being a good tax, are a mute points if you are "Joe the Plumber". Our Texas Government pulls in over 77.5 billion (2009) dollars annually in taxes and puts it to use where and when they deem necessary. Such as, writing a $10,000 a month check for our Governor to live in a rental, while the governors mansion is under a 3 million dollar or more renovation. Which by the way, was under construction before the arson of the mansion.
Michael tries to convenience us that it's a good tax, and that it will grow as the economy grows. If this were the case, than why has it not kept pace? Let it ride the downfall like we Texan's have to.
Michael also tries to compensate the need to raise this tax by throwing the burden of our traffic problem onto our Texas Government. Saying "Officials either need to raise the rate or let the traffic get worse." Telling us our elected officials have chosen worse traffic because they are "Lacking courage of foresight." This is not the case, they (Texas Government) have taken huge steps to elevate the problem by widening some roads and building toll roads.
If we take what Michael has written here into consideration, it tells us that our Texas Government needs to stop giving exceptions from taxes. To everyone, not just some. If not totally for good, on all taxes, at least until a few problems are elevated. Such as our transportation and our deficit.
As an American who is a proud Texan speaking, my favorite tax would have to be "no tax hike." But as a Texan proud to live in America we have to pay our dues. No way around it. But, there are other ways to produce money for our government other than raising taxes for our citizens. If we can learn anything here its that the people of Texas need to stand up and take notice.
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