Democratic Party Ninth District Mike Parker

What are the facts on the personal income tax?

April 15th came and went and we survived. Most taxpayers will get a refund. Despite the refund, bitter and angry Republicans continue to use taxation as a political toy. Over taxation; unfair taxation; taxes hurt the middle class; taxes burden the economy; and taxes bankrupt businesses dominate that one sided discussion. These are not facts. When the facts are on your side, argue the facts. When the law is on your side, argue the law. And when the law isn't on your side, and the facts aren't on your side, stand up and pound your fists on the table.

It's a fact that if all income taxes were applied only to the defense budget, there would be barely enough left over to pay the interest on the debt.

Why would any American patriot want to cut national defense or refuse to pay the debt?

The same political party that once reminded our warring nation that we are an experiment in democracy now wants to end that national experiment. That humble experiment in democracy survived a ghastly civil war, two global wars, the threat of nuclear war, and several challenges to the Constitution including Richard Nixon and the Bush/Cheney tyranny.

Since Bush and the Republicans began giving away the country, our national debt has risen to $9.4 trillion dollars. We spend $500 billion a year just to pay the interest. That's nearly as much as the core defense spending, excluding Iraq and Afghanistan. Oil is selling for $120+ dollars a barrel. Gold sells for a $1000 an ounce. Rising copper prices have created a new crime, the crime of stealing copper wire from churches. To find enough soldiers for the Iraq War, our military recruits felons to our all-volunteer army. The President, who once offered millions of dollars for bin Laden, Dead or Alive, now watches bin Laden and his terrorist videos on CNN.

Earning enough money to live, paying the house payment, sending sons and daughters to good schools, these are the serious issues for the majority of Americans. Taxation and government didn't cause those problems. Responsible government has, in the past, provided a stable currency, affordable home loans, public schools, and a military that was "a well regulated militia," not a Blackwater 'for profit' private security force.

Responsible government, responsible citizenship, and personal responsibility have a price. For responsible government and the responsible citizen, taxes that at least pay for self-defense are a duty and an obligation, not a political toy to be unwrapped each election cycle.

April 15th came and went. And, we survived.

How long will we survive past Tuesday, November the 4th, if we elect leaders who think democracy is too expensive.

Mike Parker is a graduate of North Georgia College and State University and Gainesville State College with degrees in Political Science and Business Administration. His past employers include manufacturers, retailers, and the Democratic Party of Georgia. He is an independent political researcher and he makes his home in Flowery Branch.