The Fear of Tax Hikes and What It's Costing Americans

Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, assumed his current position of January 5, 2011. Republicans took over the House on a campaign that promised more jobs for America. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in the United States is an alarming 9.5%. Understandably, changes need to be made. Despite the basis of their campaign, job creation bills have yet to be proposed, while three in favor of anti-abortion views have been on the floor. This does not sound like economic reform to me. Instead of proposing bills that could generate jobs as promised, the main focus is on slashing government spending, like education and clean energy funding and union support.

Republican vogue is keeping taxes low. Without taxes, how does the U.S. government intend to raise any money to reduce the looming deficit? The government can't not spend money. How would we pay Mr. Boehner and all other elected officials? Taxes pay our leaders, fund government programs, and overall keep our country running. Complaints are always running around that our public school system is below par along with other government run programs. What do you expect? Public school teachers are paid minimal salaries and only those that are exceptionally passionate about their job are going to do it well. Low standards of public workers is another issue that goes hand-in-hand with low taxes/low salaries. What I do not think Americans realize is that we get what we pay for. If you are not willing to bite the bullet and allow higher taxes, inefficiency will only continue.

Republicans say why raise taxes when we can just get rid of the inefficient sectors (aka the public ones)? Cutting our public programs will only deplete the job market more, worsening the economy. I do not see Republicans making any movement towards creating jobs that would replace those provided by our public works.

The whole purpose of our government is to make the country we live in a better one for future Americans. I think it is time for certain self-serving Americans to start thinking about what will benefit the country as a whole and not just a small traditionalist group.