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They say inspiration can come from anywhere. This article jumped at me from the small screen while watching the "Family Feud". For those that don't know what that is, it's a television gameshow where a question is asked to a number of people off the street, and the top 100 answers are ordered and guessed at.

This episode actually had the question "How Do You Want Your Tax Money Spent" and I thought it'd be interesting to talk about the answers as listed. So without further adieu,.. Show me #5!!

#5 Highways and Streets

Surprisingly, the 5th most popular answer was about the highways and streets. In the United States we have an estimated 46,837 miles of highways (as of 2004), maintained by both state and federal authorities. The highway system, put in place by Pres. Eisenhower was originally designed as a means of civil defense (in case the U.S. was ever invaded by foreign troops). Today, it's a vital infrastructure component that is in need of improvement and repairs.

The reason I'm surprised (pleasantly) is that this need for repairs doesn't seem to be on the radar screens of any of our leaders, even though the continuing deterioration of this system could cause the transportation of goods across the country to suffer.

#4 Poor and Needy

Another pleasant surprise. There's a lot of sentiment against helping those less fortunate than ourselves in this country, but it seems that this sentiment isn't the norm. I've always thought that a country should be judged by how they treat their poorest/most disadvantaged citizens. The U.S. isn't a stellar example of success, but things are SLOWLY shaping up. Welfare reforms aimed at educating and training people to move back into society are on the rise, and more people are succeeding at re-entering the workforce because of these programs.

Free medical programs and food programs are still available for those that need them, and social work is on-going to make society better, a case at a time. Like I said, it's not perfect, but it's getting incrementally better.

#3 Healthcare

Not so surprising. With an estimated 30-50 million Americans not covered by health insurance, this is going to be a hot-topic item in the upcoming elections. But even with the high demand for universal healthcare, the 'how to pay' questions still have yet to be answered. And additionally, the last time that this issue was tackled by our leaders (Clinton, 1991) it turned into a political free-for-all with a majority of the Republicans and not a few Democrats warning that "Universal Healthcare leads to Communism". (Even with a number of countries, England, Canada, France, Cuba, etc. as examples where universal healthcare is working).

#2 My Pocket

TOTALLY unsurprising, this one. People continually want more money in their own pockets. Tax cut after tax cut is proposed, promised, and delivered. We only have about $9,202,133,302,099.65 in National Debt because of the continual shortfall of taxes and the continual spending. So why isn't  it reasonable to give everyone a $300 bonus, since on a per-person basis, we owe $30,266.78. I'll write them a check.

#1 Education

Education is a standard 'desired recipient' of tax money. Unfortunately it's also the one that gets short-shrift when it comes to funding sometimes. Since it's ALWAYS in need of large funds, our leaders sometimes think that it's ok to skimp just a little this time if they 'promise' to make it up in the future. The problem is no one 'makes it up' so the United States' education system continues to suffer. Other first-world education systems that actually cost LESS money turn out better educated pupils and workers. We're dropping farther and farther behind the education curve each year because this is only a pseudo-high priority.

Taxes, the Necessary Burden

Of course no one LIKES paying taxes, and you should only pay your fair share based on your financial situation. When you pay your taxes, rather than being resentful for the money the government is "taking away" from you, remember all the services that these taxes are providing; Military protection, infrastructure (roads and highways), public services (police and fire departments), and many social programs (Women, Infants, and Children [WIC], Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and money for welfare recipients). Without these programs, society as a whole would break down.

Try to remember that the next time you write a check to Uncle Sam.

Where would you like YOUR taxes to go?? Let us know by leaving a comment.

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