How to Almost Enjoy Tax Day
Categories: Philanthropy | Economics | Environment | Optimism
Posted by
Paul Orfalea
at
6:25 AM
9
comments
Overall, I'm inclined to agree with Fran Lebowitz's observation that, "if you want your children to be successful, don't teach them to subtract; teach them to deduct." Growing up, my family of entrepreneurs judged every purchase by one standard: "Is it deductible?"
But, as we know, taxes are inevitable. Author and traveling storyteller Donald Davis recalls the shock of receiving his first paycheck at his first job and finding the amount considerably smaller than he expected. He was furious, and told his father - a banker -how badly the government was treating him. His father took the teenager over to the local library reference section and pulled down a copy of the most recent federal budget.
"Spend a little time going through this," advised his father, "and find something that you like. Then, pretend that's what YOUR tax dollars pay for." Donald read through the massive document grudgingly, until he came to the allocation for national parks. For many decades since, Donald Davis has taken some solace on April 15 by reflecting on the real estate he owns all over the continent! And every year, he makes sure to visit his real estate and get the most out of his investment.
Long before he became President, Theodore Roosevelt used his position as leader of the Boone and Crockett Club, which he founded in 1888, to encourage legislation preserving western wild lands and forests. One of his pet projects was the protection of Yellowstone, which Congress declared a national park in 1872 but took no measures to conserve. Dedicating the Roosevelt Arch at the park's northern entrance in April of 1903, Roosevelt declared, "Yellowstone Park is something absolutely unique in the world so far as I know. Nowhere else in any civilized country is there to be found such a tract of veritable wonderland made accessible to all visitors." As a frequent visitor to Yellowstone, I agree, and like Donald Davis, I can take some solace on tax day, knowing that at least some of my taxes go to so worthy a cause.
Surely there is enough waste, fraud, and foolish uses of tax dollars to drive us all crazy, and there are plenty of expenditures we could debate for the rest of our lives, but since we have to pay them anyway, I think it is healthy to spend a little time appreciating the schools, roads, scientific research, police, firefighters, and other benefits that we all chip in for. What do you think are the best uses of tax dollars?
Comments
james wrote on 04/16/09 1:48 PM
I think the best use of tax dollars are civil defense and schools.
Nick Akhbari wrote on 04/18/09 1:14 AM
Defense, wildlife conservation and hopefully a better subsidized medical program. I like to think that my tax dollars go to non-profits that help build communities by educating its local citizens. The fact that many of our tax dollars went to bailout the companies that took our money to begin with by taking over leveraged risk and then selling their stocks at a 33% premium resulting in a net loss of 78 billion dollars to the local tax payer is not what i consider good tax policy.
Rachel Ashby wrote on 04/18/09 3:15 PM
I think it's a wonderful (if challenging) idea to change your mindset on tax day and instead of thinking of all of the money that you're losing, focus instead on all the ways your tax dollars contribute to society. The idea of owning magnificent National Park property all over the US, of providing education to kids, and of providing healthcare to those who need it could make tax day an almost enjoyable day.
Jessica Stevens wrote on 04/19/09 11:06 AM
I ran into the same outrage as Donald after receiving my first paycheck at the age of 15. In order to avoid this situation, I learned to look at that money as my way of giving back to society and hope that it goes to good causes. If I could personally request where my money would go I would place it towards investment in renewable energy, education for people on welfare (like the program was initially designed) instead of simply handing them money, improving the education system and retention rates for kids 18 and under, a more affordable health care system, and making a college education more affordable and accessible.
Gerardo Vicuna wrote on 04/19/09 10:23 PM
Tax dollars are well spend on public services like education and health care. One example in which I am glad tax money is spend is in financial aid for low income students in order for them to obtain a college education. Without the financial help many intelligent minds would be lost, without being given the opportunity to succeed.
Brian Lantos wrote on 04/19/09 11:39 PM
I think the best uses of tax dollars would have to be national parks and state beaches. I love the outdoors and I think it's great that the government preserves, or at least attempt to preserve, these beautiful stretches of land that allow the common man to experience something special. Yes we can be bitter about paying taxes, but it is refreshing to hear that the government is not just pick pocketing the masses.
Laura Tomforde wrote on 04/21/09 7:09 PM
As simple of an idea as this is, I really have to admit that I have never taken the time to appreciate what my tax money contributes to, rather it has always felt like a negative event which only causes me to lose money. When we think about all the of the services that our government provides in this country through much of our tax money, it really allows us as citizens to take pride in what we create in this country. Knowing that some of my money goes to educating children, providing health care, and preserving beautiful parks makes letting go of that money each year a little bit easier.
Sandra Moreno wrote on 04/26/09 10:18 AM
The best use of tax dollars (or my top 2!) Would be investment in infrastructure and investment in alternative energy. The benefits of infrastructure that is in good working order, can create an optimal climate for businesses to function at their best. In regards to alternative energy, It is the only long term strategy that frees us from oil dependence from other countries. This expenditure encourages private business to make larger investments in new technology. and As we create more of our own (cleaner) energy, there is an opportunity to deal with global climate issues and decrease our defense spending. It is the equivalent of keeping your yard clean, but on a national scale.
Lisa Schnoll wrote on 04/16/09 8:35 AM
I think the best use of tax dollars are public services, especially schools and health care. Education is the foundation of any successful democracy which is why we should spend even more money on our public education system. Healthy people also found a strong democracy and a health system that works will keep people happy in their time of need.