It said "see illustration".
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Posted on 05/31/2010 7:39:52 AM PDT by Chi-townChief
Opening shot
When we honor the war dead on Memorial Day, we naturally assume that we are doing something for the fallen. By our remembering those who gave their lives for this country, it implies that they somehow benefit, when of course they are dead, and beyond either benefit or harm from the living world.
No, it seems clear, if you think about it, that though we are honoring them, it is not the fallen, but we, the living, who benefit. They are helping us. How? I believe we benefit by being reminded that, despite our conflicts and divisions, we are still, as the pledge says, "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
One nation that people gave their lives to support. While there are pacifists opposed to war, the general opinion is that it is good that young Americans serve their country, and noble that they fight and sometimes die to ensure its security.
So here's my Memorial Day question: if we approve of the idea that some Americans sacrifice their lives for their country -- they willingly give all they have and all they might ever have -- then why are so many Americans so broken up because the government asks them to make some far smaller sacrifice, such as pay taxes? Why do they gather in public to shudder in unashamed outrage that part of their bounty is siphoned away to benefit the same nation that other people are asked to die for?
Not to inject a political note into the summer fun and sober reflection of the day. But it hardly seems fair. Do your part.
mailto:nsteinberg@suntimes.com
One point he misses. Our Military does not die so that we can pay more taxes. Taxes that go into the pockets of the politicians. Our Military puts their lives on the line so that we may remain free from those that would destroy us and to allow us to govern ourselves. They stand up to protect us and our Constitution, and in protecting the Constitution, they work to guarantee our freedom from an oppressive government. One way or another, Americans WILL control their own country while our Military watches our backs.
It said "see illustration".
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“then why are so many Americans so broken up because the government asks them to make some far smaller sacrifice, such as pay taxes?”
He may have something here. Really, why not start with the 47% who don’t pay any taxes?
Great point! This clymer doesn't even consider suggesting the 47% make a small sacrifice of their own.
Do your part and un-do those huge union pensions that are unearned.
The FairTax would solve this problem by spreading the tax burden around to far more people. At the very least, everyone would pay something, even if it is a small amount, to provide for the common defense.
“Ask not what the collective can do for you, ask what you can do for the collective.”
Better that my son sacrificed hi life in the line of duty and an attempt to preserve freedom. Submitting to socialism and government enslavement is a far worse fate.
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