Tax Ditty

Posted to Storytell on March 4, 2007:

I couldn't resist sharing this tax ditty!

In Holland, back in the 1800's people began closing in windows on their houses because a house was taxed based on the number windows it had! While at a bed and breakfast in Louisiana last week we came across the Milbanks house with closed in windows. When I asked the host about the closed in windows she didn't know the reason so we told her why owners chose to close in windows in Holland.

Look around your area, particularly old homes built in the 1800's. I am finding out that was is true for one country is true for many countries. If we can tax you here, we can tax you there!

Here's a humorous thought: Wouldn't be great if we "imagined" taxes didn't exist anymore! Let's imagine a way for taxes to be appropriate and equitable for all without being a burden! I love my taxes when I don't have to pay them! :)

I received this via email and thought you might enjoy this ditty on taxes!

What Happened?
At first I thought this was funny...
then I realized the awful truth of it.
Be sure to read all the way to the end!

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries, then
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers,
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.

Put these words
upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me
to my doom..."

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax

Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax,
Fuel permit tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Interest expense
In ventory tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road usage taxes
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax < BR>Telephone state and
local tax
Telephone usage charge tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

COMMENTS: Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most 
prosperous in the world.  We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest 
middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. What happened? 
(And I still have to "press 1" for English I hope this goes around world 10 times)

Truth is taxes have been around a long, long time. The tax men were around even in biblical times. As I traveled from country to country, it was easy to see how others are taxed by their government. Frankly, I think the governments must get together and compare notes. Someone once shared with me that paying taxes is an opportunity to be grateful for all the many benefits we enjoy. I’ve commented before, poor folks in Jamaica have no way of paying for their children’s education. We on the other hand have free educational services galore for our children, no matter how inequitable they may be.

I give thanks for my taxes.

In the warmth of sharing,

Angela Davis