Record tax collecting; consequences loom
As we approach the day when our taxes are due, let us keep in mind the spirit of the American Revolution. Our Founding Fathers rebelled against England after a less than a penny tax on tea. They did not envision a multi-trillion dollar government tending to the specific needs of individuals. Neither did they expect Americans to work 114 days into the year (April 24) to pay taxes. The government at all levels has become an insatiable beast feeding on the hard work of all Americans and becoming more and more demanding with each passing day. The Treasury Department reports that it collected a record amount of taxes $1.48 TRILLION the first half of the fiscal year.
The American entrepreneur spirit must have money to be able to take hold and prosper the economy. Labor union workers do not “create” jobs. They work for the job creators. And yes, they too, should have tax reductions to be able to save more and provide for their needs. But it is proven economic fact that if the job creators are saddled with high taxes and excessive government restrictions, the economy will slow, jobs will be lost and companies will close. Here we go: The Tenth Commandment in Exodus 20:17 says, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.”
Taxes, especially unfair and exorbitant taxes, are covetousness. Now many will also quote the Bible verse where Jesus says give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. But in this nation, our Founding Fathers set up a form of government where we all have a say. So we, in effect, are Caesar. It’s when we lose touch with that reality that the government, any government, will fill the void and begin to expand its power. From property taxes to income taxes, when the fruits of a person’s hard work are taken and given to another, that is coveting. It is also placing a chokehold on the economy because politicians are interested in expanding government rather than paying debt.
For example, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has proposed a one TRILLION dollar tax increase if she is elected. Bernie Sanders will do much the same. This money will not go to reduce debt, but rather to give students “free” college education and construction workers jobs fixing roads. Seriously. It’s true. The current national debt as we reach tax day is $19.2 TRILLION. If you are a citizen, your share of that debt is $200,221. If you pay taxes, your share of the US Federal budget deficit ($5.8 TRILLION) is $850,735, according to the US National Debt Clock. These numbers are sobering and they point to rough times ahead. If responsible stewardship is not put in place, there will be disastrous results–the consequences of breaking God’s commandments.
