Know what I find funny?

When I hear folks, who are typically either wealthy or very well established financially or the owner of a large, successful company, say there's something seriously wrong with the idea of expecting the government to provide for us.

I wonder how they would feel if Uncle Sam decided to tax that wealth at the appropriate levels to take care of the needy; if Uncle Sam decided to remove some or most all of those nice little deductions (often ridiculous--and I should know considering I used to work for a CPA firm and helped process tax returns) they get to claim every year, thus often greatly lowering their tax burden; if they should ever find themselves experiencing an unexpected calamity where upon they would lose their business/job/wealth.

Think they would have a change of tune then? I mean we already know they scream loudly when there is any hint of their taxes being raised.

The truth is, we all depend on the government (local, state and federal) to provide for us in some way, either through ensuring our infrastructure is sound and secure (which is IS NOT and this is becoming a HUGE issue that will only worsen unless something is done asap), through ensuring we have police, fire and medical to help us when in need, through ensuring our children have safe/quality education, through ensuring those dollars we invest in a little program called Social Security are there for us upon retirement age, to ensure we have safe, running water, to ensure our homes are safe and sound, etc. etc... And if you happen to be a Corporation here in Oregon, you know Uncle Sam provides for you very well by telling you the minimum state tax you must pay is $10. Anything after $10, eh, forget about it. Keep it!

When looked at in this way, we will see how much we truly do depend on our government.

It all comes down to this: Is Uncle Sam providing for my NEEDS and WANTS. Financially, if you are in the top income brackets, that answer is a resounding Y E S. Of course, given the collapsing of our infracture, I'm sure even those at the top are beginning to see or will begin to see our reps. aren't doing such a good job afterall.