Is a man is entitled to the fruits of his labor? In 1776, this principle undergirded the American revolutionaries’ slogan, “No taxation without representation.” Which is to say, government can’t take your money unless you first give permission. You the taxpayer decides when and how much to pay.
New Hampshire’s Democrats have embraced a different way of thinking: first the state, then you, the individual. In this mentality, the state identifies certain groups of residents as “special” and deserving of extra assistance. The state then steals income from hard-working individuals and redistributes it to the special groups. In return, the special groups become supporters of increased state power.
In a recession, with many taxpayers out of work, there’s less money to steal and redistribute, but the state’s commitment to special groups does not go away. That’s why John Lynch and the Democrats are so eager to raise taxes. This year, new and increased taxes are projected to take $250-750 million out of our pockets. To name a few of the recent measures:
- a new LLC tax on businesses
- a “temporary” motor vehicle and trailer surchage of $30 to $75 per vehicle for 2010-2011
- an increased excise tax on meals and hotel rooms from 8 to 9 percent
- an increased cigarette tax of $.45 per pack
It’s obvious that these taxes will hurt all of us, especially low and moderate income families. Making automobile registration fees more expensive merely makes it more difficult for people with small or fixed incomes to maintain their mobility and will probably result in cuts to other areas of their spending. A cigarette tax doesn’t actually stopping smoking. The LLC tax is yet another assault on small business and is really an income tax, which will cause layoffs and lower wages and benefits. Businesses that can’t cut costs will leave the state. Those that choose to stay will raise their prices. Ultimately, any tax on business is passed on to the forgotten man, the taxpayer. Businesses don’t pay taxes—we do.
Because of the recession, we in the private sector has had to tighten our belts. Privately employed people don’t have the option of recovering lost income by demanding it from their neighbors. Imagine what a terrible place New Hampshire would be if a man who had lost his job could take his firearm, march into his neighbors’ home, and demand that they replace his livelihood. But this is exactly what our government officials are doing. Instead of making the tough decisions to stop spending, the legislature chooses to take advantage of their monopoly through the use of force. They know that if they raise taxes, we will be compelled, by the power of the state, to comply. They have saved themselves from the painful effects of the recession by transferring their burden to us.
Are you entitled to the money you earn? Democrats are trying to convince you the answer is no—the needs of the state and its favorites come first. It’s time to show them that we, the taxpayers, don’t agree. Let’s re-affirm the right of the taxpayer to decide when, where, and how our money will be spent. Let’s stand up to the state government’s blatant abuse of power. You can make a difference. Get and stay informed, involved and remember in November.
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