The articles in this section are generally written to refute the liberal and ungodly content of some of the letters to Voices. However, a writer of a letter, which appeared on 2-22-2008, deserves support. The letter is about real estate taxes and what he wrote is supported 100% by this writer.

Schools are supported by the tax on real property and those who own property furnish nearly all of the school’s monetary support. That means that those who don’t own property pay nothing in this regard for support. And as he wrote, it is easy to vote to raise the taxes on others to pay for the free ride non-property owners receive at the expense of property owners. Is it fair to property owners in this day of “everything must be fair to make things equal?” No, but fairness is only for those who want to freeload on others. It’s unfair for the “poor” to pay their own way in life.

Property taxes are a colossal rip-off of the wealth of those who own property. Through tax laws, the government enables non-property owners to enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor. They haven’t paid one dime toward the purchase and upkeep of the property and by government fiat, enjoy the fruits of the efforts of others. It amounts to extortion since the property owner will lose the property to the county and state if the taxes aren’t paid. Extortion in the private world will cause the actors to be lodged in jail when caught, but when the government does it, it is legal. Like sheep, the property owners silently divvy up each year to appease the government gods of taxation.

There is a better way to fund the schools that would be fair for everyone. Those with children and who don’t own property, should have to pay a head tax for each child in school. Those who have no children in school should have that portion of the property tax dedicated to the schools, reduced severely. Property owners with children should have the option of paying a head tax or property tax, with the tax reduced if they opt for the head tax. And only those with property should be the only ones to vote on a millage increase. Further, those who are retired should not have to pay property taxes at all on their principle residence.

Is the foregoing fair? Absolutely, since taxation should be based on equality for everyone. What is fair about one group benefiting from the fruits of others? Should not all be required to pay for their own way in life?

The argument is made that the state constitution provides for a free public education for everyone and that the foregoing will violate the free provision. A free public education is a myth. “There ain’t no free lunch” and in the case of the schools and property tax, the property owner is paying dearly for that so-called free education. Couple that with the free breakfasts, lunches, and other benefits the low income and others receive, the prosperous and the property owners are being legally robbed through the laws by the people that do not deserve one penny of the resources of others.

Undoubtedly, this article will make some think and others fume. So be it, it is time for a reassessment of the issue and I don’t mean a reassessment of property so that the freeloaders can claim more of what belongs to others. Bluntly put, the property tax issue is a good example of the Marxian philosophy, “From those with the most ability to those with the greatest need.” Sadly, the government believes that property owners have the most ability so they should bear the burden for the non-owners who they apparently think have the greatest need. Government extortion makes it possible to rob and plunder for the greater good of the politicians and the lesser good for all others.

© 02-22-2008 DEC