General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Question: is it time to start looking at leaving Florida? [View all]calimary
(81,265 posts)Do you know anybody who welcomes paying taxes? Or doesn't mind at all - when taxes go up?
And I don't like it either, but I try to remind myself that paying taxes are like paying dues to be part of the finest and most fabulous and well-appointed country club on earth, with all its perks and benefits. That's what keeps the streets repaired and public schools open and teachers paid and the grid maintained and police and firefighters paid and R&D and all that. And more. It's just the price you pay. And I understand how so many people don't want to shoulder that burden, and it IS a burden. But it's one we all have to shoulder anyway.
I remember the political insult "the something-for-nothing crowd." As in - those who want all the benefits but hate having to pay for 'em. Well, like it or not, it's something that we all have to accept, whether we like it or not. I'd rather keep it all, too! What there is of it, anyway. But I try to remind myself that those taxes underwrite some really necessary stuff - and not just necessary stuff for me personally. And sometimes it's a heavy lift (especially when I think that some of that goes to paying the salaries for the officials and staffs with whom I vehemently disagree.
There's some comfort in remembering that not only does nobody get outta here alive, but nobody gets outta here for free. Cuz at the very least, somebody has to cover the funeral costs...