We all love to hate the Internal Revenue Service – the IRS. That particularly obnoxious bureau of the Treasury Department is the obvious, up-front target of our frustrations.
But is the IRS really the culprit? The answer is a resounding NO!!!
The true culprit is Congress and US – you and me.
While it is true that our ancestors allowed the submission and eventual ratification of the 16th Amendment, we, you and I, have allowed that evil, amendment and its demon off-spring, the IRS, to live. If we truly want to save our Republic, we MUST control or eliminate most existing taxes, eliminate new taxes and cut back and severely downsize federal, state and even in some cases, local spending. That will start with the total elimination of the IRS, repeal of the 16th Amendment and a grassroots movement to force our Congress-critters to obey the Constitution.
To say that taxes have gotten out of control is the biggest understatement one can imagine. Yet, while we groan under the burden, congressional Democrats and many Republicans are gleefully rubbing their hands together in anticipation of future tax hikes if either Sen. Clinton or Sen. Obama are elected.
Here is the entire text of an e-letter I received from my congressional Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-5th District, Louisiana. He sits on the Appropriations Committee, so he knows whereof he speaks.
"Majority's Budget Resolution Contains Historic Tax Hike
"At a time when so many Americans are enduring the effects of a weakened economy and sinking deeper into anxiety over mortgage payments, high gas prices, rising health care costs and job losses, House majority leadership pushed through a budget resolution that essentially shrugs off these concerns. "In addition to raising taxes, the House budget resolution, which passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, March 13, completely fails to address immediate concerns facing Social Security and Medicare, specifically the unfunded liabilities of approximately $38.7 trillion.
"The plan allows the unfunded liability in Medicare and Social Security to grow by $14 trillion, imposing more than $40,000 in new long-term debt on every American.
"During the Budget Committee hearings, my committee colleagues and I in the (Republican) minority supported an amendment to put a stop to the practice of raiding the Social Security surplus to fund general spending in an effort to address the unsustainable rate of spending growth. Unfortunately, the amendment was rejected by the (Democrat) majority.
"On a similar note, a minority-sponsored amendment was also offered during the hearings to stop taxing retirement income. The majority defeated this measure as well.
"Instead of making these vital changes to the budget resolution, the (Democrat) majority produced a plan with the largest tax increase in history during a time of economic downturn. The majority’s budget raises taxes by $683 billion over five years by raising marginal rates for all workers, eliminating the 10-percent bracket for low-income workers, increasing taxes $500 per child, reimposing the marriage penalty and death tax, and eliminating incentives for investment in U.S. businesses. It also includes a $70-billion tax increase to pay for a one-year alternative minimum tax patch.
"During this uncertain time, America needs a budget that will put us on the path to recovery, but this budget plan will only cause further regression. This budget resolution will reverse the economic gains achieved under the 2001 and 2003 tax laws, which have generated 8.3 million new jobs and a 5.5-percent year-over-year increase in business investment.
"It also cancels out the tax-reducing Economic Stimulus Package, as the tax increase is more than four times the size of the stimulus.When the stimulus passed, Congressional leaders told America they were putting the power back into the hands of the people, but now they have reverted back to their old taxing ways – before the rebate checks were even mailed. For the average Louisianian, the tax hike results in an additional $2,642 in taxes each year. Those of us living in the 5th Congressional District can expect to fork up an extra $1,233 each year. If these taxes are not whittled down when the House and Senate reconcile their budget resolutions, everyone who is expecting a rebate this year might want to hold onto it for a little while.They will likely need it to pay their extra taxes next year."
U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, represents the 5th Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Budget Committee. He can be reached at the Monroe District Office (318-322-3500), the Alexandria District Office (318-445-0818) or Washington, D.C. (202-225-8490.) Visit Alexander's Web site at www.house.gov/alexander or write him at 316 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Interestingly, both Democrat candidates for President voted in favor of this resolution when it hit the Senate. Remember, it's just a resolution at this point, so be careful who you vote for.
