The Tax Foundation - America Celebrates Tax Freedom Day®

The Tax Foundation - America Celebrates Tax Freedom Day®: "'Americans will work longer to pay for government (120 days) than they will for food, clothing and housing combined (105 days),' said Hodge. 'Since 1986 taxes have cost more than these basic necessities. In fact, Americans will work longer to afford federal taxes alone (79 days) than they will to afford housing (62 days).' In 2007 Americans will work another 41 days to afford their state and local taxes. That makes taxation a bigger financial burden than housing and household operation (62 days), health and medical care (52 days), food (30 days), transportation (30 days), recreation (22 days), or clothing and accessories (13 days)."

If all of our income were to go directly to the Government until our taxes were paid, Tax Freedom Day is the day which we, as Americans, would have paid those taxes and can begin earning wages for ourselves. The current tax rate is 32.69% if we consider all federal, state, and local taxes. Therefore, in 2007, Tax Freedom Day was April 30th, 2007. In 1930, Tax Freedom Day was Feb 12th (11.61%).

In my opinion, the increase in taxes from 1930 to 2007 is indicative of a government which has become significantly larger over time and has, as a result, found its way increasingly into our daily lives; thereby eroding our personal freedom. To reiterate, I am not an anarchist. Government does have a place in society I just think their role has grown to become quite a burden on the taxpayer. On the whole, I love America and firmly believe it is still the best place in the world to live, despite its faults. If I didn't like this country, I realize I am free to move out and I have no desire to do so. But, I do think we can do better by putting more money into the hands of the people.