Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1963-04-02
Toxpoyers Lament

The time nears for every
indil idual to meet his tax
obligations under our system
of self-government. 1t is also
a time for appraisal and
planning since taxes are be-
coming an ever increasing
part of our family budget.
Every family man has had
the experience, because of
misfortune or emergency, of
not being able to meet all of
his tax obligations without
first making a loan or some
change in his plans. He is
likewise aware that sacrifice
was necessary before he could
return to a normal fiscal
basis.
Responsible citizenship I'M
der self-rule also requires
that we make a similar ap-
praiSal concerning the eXpen-
diture of our tax funds by
our Government. Generally
at the city, county, or even
the State level, we can make
a reasonable evaluation on
fiscal matters. We are famil-
lar with the reasons for any
tax increase and can observe
the results by certain types
of Improvements. However,
at the national level we rec
ognize Immediately, that here
we must depend on our Off
Gals serving us in an
efficient and honorable man
ner.
In time of war there is a
definite need for deficit
spending. But there remains
the same need for sacrifice
before a return to normally
is possible. Our present huge
deficit and the recklessnesS in
the expenditure of public
funds should be of deep con-
Germ to all citizens. We might
we'll appreciate the obvious
truth given us by some Of
our great leaders of the past,
that big government and def
icit spending are the greatest
danger to our freedom.
We have always accepted
the theory that our legis-
lative branch controls the
purse strings. Must we. then
blame Congress? 1t must be
apparent that our executive
branch is now exercising far
greater authority, than was
intended under our Constitu-
ton, in the expenditure of
funds. Is this because Con-
gresS and our legislative
branch has voluntarily relin-
pushed its own authority?
Many officials today ignore
the fact that they are spend
ing their own or the tax
payers money. Appeals for
votes are even made on the
boast of being able to get
more from the Government
because Of political influ-
ence.
We must share the blame
because Of our own indiffer-
ence In not accepting our
responsibility in nominating
and electing properly quail
fled candidates. This is now
recognized, since in wide
spread areas local groups are
organizing without regard to
either political party, and
nominating their own candi-
dates. This same resentment
exists in both political par
ties. We can no longer af-
ford to let self-seeking can
didates choose their own
delegates but must insist that
we make our own nominal
tions.
There Is need for reform
in both political parties. Any
suggestion OF bloc-voting or
the use OF political influence
in spending tax money is an
insult TO every honest citizen.
Frank +. Korff.
SO
Anyone who has Just fin
ished a nightmare Of income
tax returns will appreciate
the growing completely Of eff
fort by Government TO get
every possible dollar. The
personnel and cost OF proc
essing those returns must be
fantastic.
Why not something ultra
simpler Instead OF taxing the
earned dollar. why not tax
the dollar spent2 People who
earn more. spend more - it's
that simple.
At the end OF the year,
assuming that we use this 10
per cent for income tax and
3 per cent for State tax. each
business would then send the
Federal Government a check
for 10 per cent OF It's gross
sales and the State a check
for 3 per cent Of It's gross
sales.
The advantages would be:
1 Savings In nannnWpr aud