Taxes in Perspective

I've heard it said, "the only thing worse than paying taxes is not paying taxes." Since it is April 14th, the topic seems appropriate. What is the ideal tax rate and method of collection? Stating the purpose (in my opinion) of taxation seems a good place to begin. I believe that taxes should serve the purpose of funding the activities of government. Somewhere between 0% and 100% of the wealth of the citizenry lies an intersecting point where the essential services (as determined by the governed) of government are funded and the prosperity of the populace is minimally affected. While the nation's properity is dynamic, the value at any given moment is static. If thought of as a pie, over time it may become larger or smaller, but at a moment on a given day, it is 100% of the value that it holds. As that value is consumed for whatever the purpose may be, that which remains is 100% less the value that was consumed. An increase in taxes requires a reduction in one or more of the remaining funded categories. Genesis contains a record of a secular (at least non-Christian) government that became the wealthiest nation on earth in its day through application of certain economic principles including taxation - Egypt. The record revolves around a man named Joseph, son of Jacob, and it begins in Genesis 30:24. Through a series of events, he becomes the most powerful man in Egypt next to the Pharaoh. The record becomes more relevant to this discussion in chapter 41. Genesis 41:34 and 47:24-26 record that he collected the fifth part except in the land of the priests. "The fifth part" implies at least two significant points: (1) the rate was 20%; (2) it was paid by the citizen rather than being seized by the government. Taxation was not the only monetary policy set, but it was the means of collecting revenue. The result is that Egypt became the wealthiest nation on earth in a short period of time. The present day suggested method of collection most closely resembling what I believe Joseph instituted is "The Fair Tax." It would stimulate growth, and over the long term, yield the same result as it produced in ancient Egypt. Strength, prosperity, and liberty result from an unfettered society. I am Juan Freeman.

What's for dinner?

If I owned a golden goose, foie gras would never appear on the menu. Rather, I would protect and care for that goose fiercely. In that most perfect of locations, Eden, when man was perfect and conditions were ideal, Genesis 2:15 notes that Adam was to care for the garden. In simplistic terms, prosperity results when effort is applied in accordance with natural laws and conditions. Actions contrary will stifle prosperity. Men who freely enjoy and can choose to share the fruit of their labor will seek and find paths to success. Those from whom fruit is stolen will seek methods of protection. Choices will be one or a combination of, cessation of production; fortification making oneself a less appealing target than alternatives; elimination of the ability of the thief to function. Freedom encourages prosperity. No matter the cost, it is less than servitude. I am Juan Freeman.

Motivation

That which moves one to action. I believe that there are two, and only two, factors that motivate a person toward action - love and fear. Action resulting from fear, termed "fight or flight," happens quickly. Distance from or elimination of the threat generally results in a cessation of the response. Love motivated action, on the other hand, is generally more sustained. It continues until gratification is reached or until the love dissipates. Fear is defensive in nature; love is offensive in nature. Fear seeks to avoid a consequence, while love aims to accomplish a purpose. John 15:13 proclaims that a man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for another. Love of God, love of family, love of friends, love of country, all have been in the past, continue in the present, and will be in the future, purpose sufficient to ignore fear of death or anything else. The love of my friends and the fear of my enemies. Could there be motivating factors more conducive to reaching my goals? I think not! Love of freedom and love country will cause men to stand together. Those who would enslave have good reason to be afraid. I choose to love; I am Juan Freeman.

Perspective

A smile comes easily most mornings as I peer into the refrigerator contemplating the question, "will it be bacon or sausage?" In truth, the choices are more extensive, but the answer is irrelevant. Of note is that I know how blessed I am to have been born an American, surrounded by family who loved me, and taught by my parents via words and actions that charitable giving is far more gratifying than receipt of charity. As I watch my children mature, they too are demonstrating habits of thought and action that warm my heart - a love and appreciation of the good things that God has given to us all to enjoy. I am thankful that I can and thankful that I so choose, for I am Juan Freeman.