Did Our Civic Duty Today

[SmokinPHorses]

...went and paid our property taxes. Always a joyous event for me. Tried to do it over the phone. There's extra charges for doing that. Guess that's just their way of saying they miss seeing me.

So we drive into the big city (Joliet, Il.), another joyous event in my life. Get to see the big, pretty new building that's all spiffy and really nicely air conditioned. Wish I could afford something like that. Probably could if I wasn't payin for this one.

Deputy Sheriffs wandering around the halls. Make a mental note...they are carrying guns. Since I dress a little different than they are used to seeing, I attract their attention. Nice that my younger days are over and a nod and a smile is as far as that goes.

Lady at the counter is very pleasant. Should be I guess working in this fancy building. We empty a wheelbarrow full of money in front of her and in a matter of seconds it's gone into the system. I ask her for an itemized bill of what my money just went for. She chuckles. She's a nice lady and just doing her job. It's not her fault. So I don't rip her throat out.

On the way out of the city we get to drive through some "interesting" parts of town. Oh, now I see where my money went. Street corners are loaded with tax dollar recipients. My money is well spent I guess. They all look well rested. Probably didn't just get off a 12 hour night shift like I did. I'm sure they'd probably yell out some thanks for my paying into their health and welfare funds. But wife has the windows rolled up tight and all the doors locked.

So to the politicians and other organizations that so skillfully spend my money I'd like to say thanks. I could never handle large amounts of money like they do. Have no experience at it. How thoughtful of them to make sure I'm never burdened with stress of dealing with extra money.

And to those who are well versed in utilizing all the "free" services offered by our county and state....don't worry, I'll be going back to work so there's more where that came from.

[kingchip]

Well said. I feel your pain.

[Barchetta]

That's good stuff right there.

So sad, but so true.

[superxcrewfx4]

Mine are in my mortgage escrow thingie. I cry every time I make a mortgage payment. 367 a month for taxes on a 2 bedroom condo

[Firemanbill]

Very well said.

Sad but true

[SmokinPHorses]

I often wonder how long our government would stay in business if they were a business. I'm thinking not very long.

We live out in the country so we really don't use, or want, any government services. Gravel roads, etc. Our fire department is volunteer and I really have no need for police. So where does my money go?

I have kids in school so maybe I could see that a little. But why do the schools, and all government building for that matter, have to be Taj Mahals? What's the matter with a simple building with reasonable comforts?

A lot of questions with no answers I guess. Maybe should learn how to play the system and start going for the handouts but I'm not programmed like that.

Doesn't make sense to me but I suppose I got 364 days to get over it before it comes around again.

But I do feel better now since I spent the some of the best money I ever will.....upgraded my Powerstroke.org membership!!!!!!

[ABoyAndHisToys]

Well the american way is no longer how it used to be. Sad, but every city and town has the recipients you are speaking of. I believe the saying goes "Work harder, there are millions depending on you" Sad but true!!!!!!

[superxcrewfx4]

I need to get me one of those kid things so I can actually use my tax dollars lol

[SmokinPHorses]

Yeah I really feel for folks that don't have kids and still have to pony up for the schools. That to me is socialism right there.

Actually I wish they'd just let us keep that money and we could send our kids to school on our own. But then I suppose the system would start working efficiently and we sure 'nough can't have that.

[kingchip]

There already are Charter schools. You still get to pay your school taxes, but send your kids to the equivalent of Private school. did you not see where hussein is pulling the funding on DC charter schools. Their school system is for sheet, and they had a viable alternative under Bush, but hussein has pulled the plug. You can't implant the socialist doctrine if it's not government control. What were they thinking?