Having finished our 2008 Federal Income Taxes (actually my wife finished them), we are feeling proud and patriotic to have done our fair share to help maintain this great country. Don't get me wrong, I am not always happy about everything the government does with our money. I regret that some of it is being used to fight an illegitimate war in Iraq and that some of it was used to bail out the irresponsible oligarchs on Wall St.; but that is what happens in a democracy. One can disagree with the elected officials and their decisions and still be a patriot.
Unlike the anti-tax terrorist who flew his plane into an IRS facility in Texas, I understand that a citizen of a democracy, instead of blowing up buildings, has to work diligently to influence the government to do right in the interest of the common good. In fact, I find it a little disturbing that Republicans like Sen. Scott Brown and Rep. Steve King were expressing sympathy for the terrorist's grievances.
Taxes can be burdensome (even unfair) at times, but this country is what it is because those who came before us were willing to work together and contribute a portion of their earnings for the good of all, be it the defense of our country, or a vast infrastructure like the interstate highway system.
It is a mistake, I think, to separate taxes and patriotism. Patriotism is just so much hot air unless one is willing to pay her/his share.
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