Taxes and Public Services

Well once again there is discussion about one particular political party suggesting a raise in taxes. And once again, the 'tax cutting' crowd is all over them.

You know the last time I looked, our health system; our education system; our justice system; our road system; our garbage collection system; our police, fire fighting, and ambulance systems are all funded by public funds. There are a lot of services we rely on and have been traditionally supported by taxpayers.

I don't like paying taxes any more than anyone else. But I see there is a need for public service providers to have sufficient resources to discharge public responsibilities. I think the 'tax cutter crowd'as usual is so 'wrapped up' in their ideology they never acknowledge an essential role for government in these vital areas of our society.

This 'tax cut' preoccupation seems to have started with the beginning of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan's periods of office. Our world has become a 'less caring' society because of that. Private sector (usually non-governmenta agencies) have had to 'pick up the slack'.

Whenever next election comes I will support any party that recognizes the reality that taxes may need to be adjusted to support public services.