Trending
'Paying taxes is a privilege'
To the Editor:
Many years ago, a World War II veteran said, "Paying taxes is a privilege." When questioned why he held that belief, he answered that our governments at all levels serve their taxpayers very well.
For example, the federal government provides national defense, the FBI, interstate highways, healthcare and income for the disabled, the elderly and the needy, mail service, national parks and regulations for national banks, the environment, the economy, money supply and much more.
State governments provide state highways, public education, state police, state parks and recreation areas and many other necessary regulations and services, including state banks and the environment, etc.
Local government provides many services, including water and sewer, recycling, care of the local streets, police protection, etc.
This veteran was truly a member of "the greatest generation" when it came to helping others in need, including his Christian Church. He enlisted in the armed forces and served in the "Pacific Theater" during World War II. After the war, he completed college to become an educator, and worked as a teacher until he retired. Unfortunately, he suffered a horrible death as a result of ALS.
As a result of listening to and observing this remarkable G.I. I also believe that "Paying taxes is a privilege."
David L. Faust
Selinsgrove