Memories

Some memories of our recent trip..."We had a good day yesterday, going to Seattle by ferry and then touring the underground portion of Seattle. A good lunch and a short walk back to the pier for our ride back to the island. And, this morning, that has brought up the subject of taxation. Apparently the ferry system is out of money and some runs are in danger of being shut down, including the “foot” ferry we took from Vashon to downtown Seattle. There were probably no more than 40 people on board during the 25 minute trip. That trip costs the rider about $4. I think it’s obvious that $4 multiplied by the 40 riders is not enough to pay for the fuel the vessel, the crew and the facilities. I’m not even certain that a fare of $10 would cover that cost. But what is the ferry worth to the common good of the citizenry? As good citizens, shouldn’t we pay, through our taxes , whatever is needed for the common good? Does every service of the state have to show black ink on the bottom line? I say no. The ferry provides a service for all citizens. We may or may not avail ourselves of it. But we should not deprive others of that service just because the costs are going to be part of our taxes.

Here is a scenario to think about; a baby, not mine, needs milk. The mother has no money, so I gladly chip in something to buy the milk. A few days later, the farmer has to raise the price of the milk because the price of hay goes up because the price of fuel for the tractor went up. Do I stop feeding the baby? Is it the fault of the baby that my share of the milk money will cost me more? No, I don’t. And yes, I know that’s very simplistic on my part, but it demonstrates clearly how I feel.

I just happen to be pro taxation. I think that citizens have an obligation to ensure that all of the citizens are taken care of. That no one goes without food or shelter and that health care and education are available for all. I’m sure those on the right side of the political fence would call me a communist or a socialist. If you are so inclined, go right ahead. It certainly won’t bother me. I prefer to think that I’m a “humanist” if you must have a label.

If I’m pro taxation, then I must be anti something…and I happen to be opposed to those who would waste my tax dollars on anything other than the public good. For instance, how can anyone defend a congress that uses our taxes to subsidize farmers to raise tobacco and then turns around and spends our tax money to combat the use of that product? Why aren’t these people in jail for theft? If not theft, how about gross stupidity?

As obvious as the tobacco tax theft is, there are many, many more, less obvious instances of tax theft going on every day that congress meets. It happens in the state houses and in the city halls. If you are angry about taxes, this is where your anger should be focused, not on the taxes themselves. With taxes that are administered fairly and spent with oversight that is also fair and balanced, we would be able to lower taxes."

Now for the scary part of my posting...Did you know that the Washington Ferry system is the possible target of a terrorist attack? Security has been increased on all runs, with explosive sniffing dogs checking all vehicles.