Taxes are Investments! Government is Good!

Taxes pay for road, parks, police, fire, libraries, schools and so much of what allows civilizations to function. Taxes pay for and maintain the commons, that is those resources belonging to the people because they are the resources we all use and depend on.

The government is designed to be the arbiter of the common good so it can assure the commons are maintained for all of us. Taxes are the funds to protect and maintain the commons from which we all benefit. Understanding that we all benefit may help people see that paying taxes are a way we can invest in society and is a way to not only maintain but also possibly improve our society.

Parks, libraries, museums, public education and so much more that makes civilization great is made possible because of government and taxes. Privatizing these commons has proven to make a few rich while the rest are hurt. To maintain and improve the commons, we must remember that taxes are investments and government is good – heck the government should be us – WE THE PEOPLE!

The concept of the commons has been with us since the 1800’s and was made famous by Garrett Hardin’s Essay, The Tragedy of the Commons. An interview with Garrett Hardin is below. What can be learned by thinking about the commons is that what is good for all of us, is good for each of us.

In other words, Paneugenesis is a good solution for the commons. Paneugenesis means we improve , not just maintain the commons. Practicing paneugenesis means we all get the best use of them because this would mean that everyone would work toward doing what is good for all of us by generating comprehensive improvements through the creation of pervasive, reciprocal, selfish, selfless, synergistic interactions so everyone and everything benefits. As noted, what is good for all of us – is good for each of us: Selfish, Selfless, Synergy!. Below are a few video’s about the tragedy of the commons if you are interested.

Make it a Great Week!