Did you turn in your required-or-die tax returns in time to avoid the penalties? Did you smile and sing as you put the stamp on the envelope? Did you then celebrate with a big party at your home?
Most of us paid and most of us cried a little as we did, but I am sure we didn't really think about what we were doing.
I, too, am sick to death of this government fiasco, lies and doing dirty stuff, stealing taxpayer money for personal affairs and ... I could go on and on. Mostly the lies and secrets are rubbing the citizens of America raw and, as of today, we have not a balm to sooth us. But, think about this.
I am so thankful for the men and women who treasure our freedom so highly that they are willing to die to keep me and mine free. I am thankful for the Coast Guard that will risk all to save folks who think they can sail across the ocean in a canoe. I am thankful for the Army National Guard as they are dispatched to assist in national disasters! I praise the National Weather Service for their dedication to forecasting weather quick enough to save thousands of lives.
I suppose I/we don't often think of the Federal Conservation Agency that taught us to use the proper ways to care for our lands to prevent another dust bowl and are still helping us with our properties.
So, therefore, I can't just rave on about paying some tax money into the stinking IRS. Yes, I am just plumb put out with them. There are a bunch of sneaky neer-do-wells amongst the good eggs that draw wages in that particular employment.
I have a hard time taking care of my little ole' business out here on the rock pile, so I won't pretend to know the answer to the ills of ours in D.C. I do know I am sorry we have slipped so far south of where we were a hundred years ago.
I did get into a wasper nest of trouble again before all of the income and outgo was figured on our place. I had a bushel basket of receipts that were sorta crumpled up, folded into tight little squares and slightly dusty. I did not have them on the dash of my truck as I knew I had to do better or take another bitter dose, so I kept them in a box in the feed room. I thought I was miles ahead, but it turns out I was wrong again!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, almost all things we deal with have two sides. You know, black and white, good and bad, hot and cold, and I won't go on. Well, brother, so do taxes.
I hate to bring up anything good about it. I bleed when I pay mine. But the facts are hard to ignore. Try to recover quickly, trust our Lord and be thankful you made it or you wouldn't have to pay it!
Bill is the pen name used by a local writer and longtime resident of the Gravette area. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 04/23/2014