“No taxation without representation.” That being the case, why are citizens of the good ol' USA being taxed? Government, for years on end, has not been representative of the mass majority of its citizens. Yet its citizens are being taxed unmercifully.

There's that sales tax that keeps rising every year and it's on almost every item bought, even most foods. Then there's that almost 20 percent or more tax on earnings, even on low income earners. Tax on Social Security earnings are even more outrageous. By the end of the year, wage earners have shelled out almost half of their earnings on taxes. And what do we get in return? That's right - nothing!

Who cares about U.S.A. citizens? Certainly not the government. It's bad enough they are not representatives of us. It's worse in that they put limitations on our earnings. What gives them the right to do that? And why is it so important to government that low wage earners and others on Social Security have their earnings kept at a minimum? Government at present is a total disgrace and anyone who thinks it isn't, needs a reality check.

“Let's keep government small” is what present government constantly reiterates. In other words, “people business is not their business.” Well, if that's the case, why is the government expecting its citizens to constantly fork over tax money for nothing whatsoever in return? Certainly there's lots of unsatisfied customers who don't believe in paying for services not rendered. Why should they?

“Give me your tax money and take a hike” is a pretty realistic evaluation of present day government. Last year, New York cut its Earned Income Credit 90 percent without even making tax preparers aware of it. This year the present do-nothings running the country not only tried to take Social Security away from future retirees, they have also been helping themselves to that money already in it for their reckless spending. Government - what a disgusting disgrace.

Murray Lynch

Auburn