Independance Day and Taxes

I want to warn you, this will get a little political.

On this fourth of July we went out to breakfast with my dad (John Sr.) our kids and my niece. I took this opportunity to talk to my daughter about Independence Day. She did really well. She remembered that this day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence (http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html). This declaration identifies many truths including the proper role of government (found also in Romans 13). Let us remember the signers of the Declaration as heroes who have protected us from tyranny.

Let us also remember that this tyranny was primarily exercised through taxes without representation. Today we have representation in the form of senators and state representatives. This great country is ours, not theirs. These senators are in Washington on our behalf. When they take our money it is because we let them, when they use that money for fund abortion it is because we let them, when they use that money in irresponsible ways it is because we let them. It is irresponsible for the citizens of the united states to ignore government. There are many issues that require our attention in November, but there is none more important than taxes. I say this because it is money that gives power, it is money that supports programs, and it is money that motivates. There is a reason that Jesus spent as much time talking about money as he did.

Every time the people give up more of their money to government they give up more of their freedom and more of their power. God forbid that we should give up our money and our power because we are too lazy to take care of ourselves.

However you decide to vote this fall make sure it is an educated vote. Don't skip voting and then complain that the government is not doing well. Pay attention, read the declaration of independence, the constitution, and maybe even a little history so that you understand where we have come from.