Render Unto Caesar
But do I have to render so damn much?

Yesterday's post on gas prices (and Former Altar Boy's combox comment) got me thinking about taxes.

I paid taxes up-front when I purchased my refrigerator, washer & dryer, clothes, furniture, tools, etc.

I paid taxes up-front when I purchased my home, truck, and car. But for some odd reason, I also have to pay taxes on those same items on a yearly basis. Hmmmm...

That got me to thinking ---

I pay taxes when I buy a gasoline. I pay taxes every month for having a telephone. I pay taxes every month for having electricity in my house. Gas, phone, and electricity? You gotta be yankin' me!!??

But did things get worse the more I thought about it? Damn right they did!

I pay a tax for the money I have saved. I pay a tax for the profit I made on my investing in mutual funds. I have to pay the government because I'm fiscally sound?

I pay a sewer tax, hence, for the privilege of flushing human waste down the toilet, I have to pay a tax. Oh, and I pay a tax on the toilet paper, too. So for defecating and exercising personal hygiene, I have to pay the government?

And just when I couldn't think the government couldn't possibly be more arrogant, I realized that I'm taxed for the food I eat and the water I drink. Back the truck up... I have to pay the government just to eat and drink so I can LIVE?

Doesn't the Mafia do the same thing? I think it's called extortion.