You have not been Taxed Enough Already

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Tags: politics

I like to avoid spewing political vitriol. My more liberal friends consider me a moderate, and I have a reputation for showing displeasure by “being slightly less polite” to an offending individual. That said, I’m getting mighty tired of this TEA party.

Political polarization regarding taxes in today’s environment absolutely oozes with historical irony. The progressive income tax, first imposed during the Civil War and later re-imposed in 1913 with the 16th amendment, was initially put in place at the behest of Congressmen representing Southern and Western farmers. Indeed, it exists solely to deflect more damaging tax rates away from individuals who suffer the most damage; and that’s you, rural folks. While members of the self-described TEA party exist in all states, their primary outpouring appears to be focused in the more conservative “red” areas of the country (red, of course, also ironically the color most strongly associated with Communists). These areas perpetuate a philosophy that seeks abolishment of the progressive income tax structure as well as a ringing endorsement for national defense. This is the second great irony, as some of the largest jumps in income tax (excluding the misguided but understandable jumps during the Great Depression) have been direct results of participation in wars. World War I, World War II, and the Korean War are excellent historical examples. WWI effectively doubled all tax bracket rates, and WWII saw the bottom bracket practically quintuple. Those sorts of changes are unheard of these days.

I would not, of course, advocate that we shouldn’t have participated in WWII. However, this correlation deserves inspection, particularly from those infatuated with voting for politicians obsessed with hunting terrorists even if it means perpetual, expensive conflict. Your desire for reducing or eliminating the income tax may be mutually exclusive with your desire to expand the conflict in Afghanistan/Pakistan. A proper libertarian is an isolationist for a reason.

But enough history, let’s talk about some of the foolishness of today, like this:

That’s Rick Barber, TEA party man, anti-Islam zealot, and I can only assume local doofus, continuing the growing streak of irony in this post by running for Congress in Alabama. The ad depicts him having a conversation with Sam Adams, Ben Franklin, and George Washington (who looks suspiciously like a British officer) about just how terrible things are these days. I mention irony because he effectively trivializes the taxation problems of the colonial era while spewing humorous nonsense about the tax situation of today. In the 18th century, taxation without representation was the primary offense of King George. His government would arbitrarily impose taxes without adequately providing a seat at the table, much less a legitimate venue for his subjects to air their grievances. Despite the ad’s widly innaccurate claims about the IRS being able to raise taxes on a whim, we have representation. It’s called Congress, and it’s what you’re running for, Rick. Ironic enough? Aparently not; there’s more.

Barber mentions a powerful “separate” court system in negative context. I’m not sure about any of the men at the table, but the real John Adams would’ve picked up the ad’s colonial era gun and pistol whipped him in the mouth. Our court system is seperate at the behest of the founding fathers. It’s an essential element of separation of powers, greatly reducing central power and impeding potential tyranny. We know Barber hates tyranny, he practically says so. More Irony? Check. Furthermore, Barber mentions his oath to protect the Constitution. Anyone who knows anything about the Constitution knows that following the 7 articles there are amendments; and that these amendments are, you know, part of the Constitution. Let’s look at this one with regards to Mr. Barber’s ad:

AMENDMENT XVI: The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

Now let’s watch another, perhaps more offensive ad:

If you’re not too busy throwing up in your mouth, let’s look at another amendment:

AMENDMENT I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I’m not even going to touch the health care stuff, I’ve alread spent too much time on these ads.

I would not suggest that Rick Barber is the quintessential TEA party member. After all, the label is largely self-imposed and the club is not exclusive. I would, however, suggest that there is a common trend of unnecessary close-mindedness, misinformation, and, perhaps most of all, irony among members of the movement. Despite claims to the contrary, Obama has not raised taxes in any significant way (at least not as of yet). In fact, many have received tax benefits under his administration (my middle-class income self included). As such, the timing of this anti-tax explosion is more than a little suspect. I cannot help but think that those with a political agenda are pulling some strings to simultaneously expand and take advantage of the situation.

All that said, if you want to hold a anti-tax position, do some research and see if it synced up with what you truly believe. If so, we may disagree, but at least we can talk about it in a civilized manner. Just whatever you do, don’t get washed away in an echo-chamber of ignorance. Don’t assume that those with different beliefs are tyrants. Don’t rely on false appeals to authority. Most of all, please don’t be Rick Barber.

© 2010 Jeff and Company