The good people of the great state of Alabama just turned down
a tax package that seemed fair and balanced. Whether from fear, distrust, ignorance, or some better reason, the long-term outcome's
the same. Budget cuts will come to reduce what can be used
to build community.
There will be less for the young, who mean the most to the future,
and more for the rich, who have the least need. Most of the old will endure more suffering, and all the poor will get poorer. The helpless will see not much relief. More prisoners will be pardoned early and less money will go for law and order; no one likely will feel more secure.
All things considered, taxes are a good thing, letting you do together what you cannot do alone, being the way to pay for services wanted or needed. Apart from the will to pay taxes, there is no commonwealth; freedom fades; and democracy gives way to class warfare.
So new taxes will be necessary. What kind, how much, and who pays, all remain to be seen. May what comes, including the cuts, be as fair and balanced as what's been turned down.
