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Ralph Klein has gone and it is time to retire Ralph's World. Thanks to all of you who have supported this venture by contributing material and through your comments. It has been fun.
Should we get another blog underway? Let me know your thoughts by e-mailing me at johnnyslow@gmail.com.
John Slow
January 1, 2007
Monday, May 31, 2004
Tax Freedom Day from The Fraser Institute
If past years are any example, B.C.’s Fraser Institute will soon be issuing it’s annual reminder telling Canadians that around this time of the year they can finally stop working for the government and start working for themselves. They call it “Tax Freedom Day.”
The implication is that any money we pay in taxes goes to benefit only someone in government. They conveniently forget to mention that without taxes we would have no roads or streets unless we were prepared to pay a toll every time we used them. We would have no policing services unless we were prepared to hire security guards. We would have no airports, harbours, public parks, museums or libraries. We would have no food, drug, safety or other inspection services. There would be no public schools so we would be “free” to educate our children at our own cost. We would have no public health care so we could be “free” to pay exorbitant private health care insurance premiums or else go without health care coverage. There would be no welfare programs for disadvantaged people who would be “free” to cast themselves upon the tender mercies of charity or else turn to crime to survive. These are but some of the “freedoms” we would enjoy if the wealthy elite would have their way.
In keeping with their right-wing philosophy, the Fraser Institute does not appear to be concerned that ordinary Canadians have to pay much more in taxes because the wealthy elite can avoid paying their fair share by using tax havens or taking advantage of questionable tax rulings.
While I don’t approve of the corruption, patronage, and inefficiencies prevalent in some of our governments, I am grateful to be living in a country where government is, relatively speaking, more compassionate toward its citizens than most. I believe we must remain vigilant that we are not deceived by those who hide behind the “freedom” terminology while seeking to enhance their own wealth and power.
William Dascavich - Vegreville
The implication is that any money we pay in taxes goes to benefit only someone in government. They conveniently forget to mention that without taxes we would have no roads or streets unless we were prepared to pay a toll every time we used them. We would have no policing services unless we were prepared to hire security guards. We would have no airports, harbours, public parks, museums or libraries. We would have no food, drug, safety or other inspection services. There would be no public schools so we would be “free” to educate our children at our own cost. We would have no public health care so we could be “free” to pay exorbitant private health care insurance premiums or else go without health care coverage. There would be no welfare programs for disadvantaged people who would be “free” to cast themselves upon the tender mercies of charity or else turn to crime to survive. These are but some of the “freedoms” we would enjoy if the wealthy elite would have their way.
In keeping with their right-wing philosophy, the Fraser Institute does not appear to be concerned that ordinary Canadians have to pay much more in taxes because the wealthy elite can avoid paying their fair share by using tax havens or taking advantage of questionable tax rulings.
While I don’t approve of the corruption, patronage, and inefficiencies prevalent in some of our governments, I am grateful to be living in a country where government is, relatively speaking, more compassionate toward its citizens than most. I believe we must remain vigilant that we are not deceived by those who hide behind the “freedom” terminology while seeking to enhance their own wealth and power.
William Dascavich - Vegreville
