Congress is once again debating an internet sales tax. It is yet again another way to obtain more money for the government to spend. I am astounded that when you take into account your state income tax, federal income tax, state and local sales tax, gasoline tax and etc., it’s estimated that almost half of your income is given over to the government to use as it sees fit. The new sales tax plan is to even give the government more money to spend on a variety of programs that are largely entitlements for social welfare like health care and social security (none of which existed during the first one-hundred plus years of our country’s existence.) Last I heard, nearly half our budget at the federal level went into health, education, and welfare --- and paying the interest on our debts. Distressing, too, is that we are 16 trillion in debt and still increasing.
I think it is important to recognize these trends as an informed citizen and to vote according to what you think is right. It is interesting to me, however, that this controversy over the internet sales tax is being touted as a business fairness competition issue. Why? Is small business really hurt by large companies that operate purely on the internet and pay no sales tax? Small companies can operate their storefront and still set up an internet business along with it out the back door. Many of them do, and compete quite well. Obviously, this is really only about the government taking as much money in through taxation ploys as it possibly can.
Jesus said “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s” when the disciples were faced with having to pay taxes. There was huge anti government sentiment over occupation and taxation by the Romans. Fortunately, all the disciples had to do was go down at Jesus’ direction and pull a coin out of a fishes’ mouth. (I lack this ability, unfortunately. I think it would be quite handy, but I can barely even catch a fish in the first place!) Jesus wasn’t saying it is a good idea to pay as much in taxes as possible. He was making a point to recognize that money is not the thing we should focus on, but rather we need to focus on is our relationship with God. We often focus on our wealth and material possessions to our detriment. It’s a bad habit that mankind has. Well-designed social programs and an efficiently managed government that provides them is not a bad thing. A country such as ours (founded on Christian principles) should be caring of those needs in a big way, whether funded charitably or governmentally.
The bigger question is are we holding our government’s feet to the fire to design programs well and efficiently manage the money we give them. Secondarily, are we crippling the will and motivation of our populace by having the “wealthy” provide everything free for a segment of the population that soon will approach what some estimate at 40%. Wealthy may soon be defined as “anyone who decides to work for a living.” The Old Testament writing that “He who does not work, shall not eat” still has value in our considerations of where to put our charitable care.
What is your opinion?
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