Cutting the deficit of humanity

The clarity of Mr. Gerber's point stands outside the hyperbole surrounding whether taxes are actually your money unfairly taken or if our political system contains any redeeming features. Rather, it shines an illuminating light on each individual's attitude towards their fellow man and is a refreshing alternative to a growing preoccupation with viewing existence in purely economic terms.

Consider Jesus's advice on this point: “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Apart from the nature of the tax revolt that prompted his response and our current tea party revolution, methinks contemporary protesters doth protest too much. The arguments implicitly speak to their attitudes vis-a-vis their fellow humans, and seem to be devoid of christian charity in the most spiritual sense.

The word humanity conceptually links the condition of one's inner ethos to every living person on this planet. If America is exceptional, it is in the fact that for the first time in history an organized government was formed by the people, for the people. We will maintain this exceptionalism only by embracing a generosity in spirit to make the world a better place for each of our fellow humans. We are a blessed people living in a prosperous land in a time of unrivaled plenty, despite current economic conditions. The meanness of spirit evinced by strident "us vs. them" protests needs to be softened by Christ's admonition: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31)

Russ - well said.
Gabriel - Often we are unaware of love's impact on our lives. It can be in the little moments of the day or in emotionally charged chapters of our lives. Either way, when it comes to taxes, it all depends on how you see it.

If you see it as a entity taking from you what's yours, then of course, the sense is "This isn't morally acceptable." But if you see taxes as merely each our own contributions to humanity, to our culture and country, it suddenly becomes a lot less of a moral crossing.

All I know is, humankind has committed a lot of wrong and lot of pain when we think morality is on OUR side and not the other.

I agree with Russ -- I'll take the investment in humanity.

Excellent

"Humanity is something everyone can afford, regardless of fiscal policy, no matter what you make, spend, save, or pay in taxes. An investment in humanity comes back to us in companionship, forgiveness, affection, comfort... love. Who couldn't use a little more of that?"

You missed the point, Russ. It's not about whether or not they can use it, its whether its moral to force it on them.

The issue here transcends whether the Tax Giveaways for the wealthy are moral or not! At issue is the governance of the nation! What is immoral is the acceptance that a desirable thing, unemployment benefits, can be purchased by an undesirable thing, tax cuts. What is immoral is the high-jacking of the political process by dirty tricks, arcane rules, acts of privilege and power! What is immoral is the need or decision to do a backdoor stimulus using tax cuts, tax loopholes, tax termination! If a stimulus is needed, then a real stimulus, thought out and enacted is what is needed. If tax cuts are affordable and appropriate, then this should be done as well. What is immoral is the so-called compromise, horse trading of our politicians along with the connivance of our President to accomplish anything! Balancing bad stuff to get good stuff; bribing politicians with pork and earmarks; giving and receiving political favors; the blatant purchase of public representatives by corporate, wealthy, religious, other special interests; these are immoral, these are malfeasance, these are acts of treason!