George Harrison of the Beatles was inspired to write “Taxman,” which first appeared on the 1966 Revolver album, when he discovered how much he was really earning after he paid taxes. He was outraged! “‘Taxman’ was when I first realised that even though we had started earning money, we were actually giving most of it away in taxes. It was and still is typical.” It’s no wonder that the Beatles ended moving out of England to escape the tax burden. I suspect that when John, Paul, George, and Ringo were growing up, they had no thought of how high the tax burden was, because they were not paying it. I’m afraid that this is the way it is with most of us. The reason tax protests don’t get a lot of traction is due to the fact that millions of Americans pay very little in taxes compared to what they receive in terms of government payments, mostly in “free” education.
When President Obama spoke at Georgetown Univeristy on April 14, he promised bew investments in education. Sure enough, “this got a huge round of applause” from the students and professors. They were going to benefit from other people’s money. Who wouldn’t applaud. Multiply this response to other groups who are getting either direct or indirect tax transfers, and you can see the problem that the tax protestors find themselves in. The reasoning is quite simple: “Why should I vote for lower taxes when it will mean less money for government programs that benefit me?” Lunches are always paid for by someone. If more people are receiving “free” lunches than those who are forced to pay for them, then guess who’s going to have to keep paying for them.
In roder to come up with this money, our newly formed goverment must raise taxes, print money, or find new things to tax, like carbon dioxide. Although written more than 40 years ago a bit tounge-in-cheek, the lyrics of “Taxman” are not that off the mark:
“Taxman”
Let me tell you how it will be
There’s one for you, nineteen for me
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don’t take it all
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah I’m the taxman
If you drive a car, I’ll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I’ll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet.
Don’t ask me what I want it for
If you don’t want to pay some more
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
‘Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman
And you’re working for no one but me.