Many Americans have lost the sense of obligation they have to the local and national community they live in. To understand what it is to have an obligation to community, one can look to bees. In a beehive you see a community of creatures that works with total dedication to the betterment of their colony.
When I get up in the morning and head off to work I have two purposes: One is for the betterment of myself, the other, which is equally important, is for the betterment of the colony that I am a part of. A huge part of my contribution are the taxes I pay. I have no problem doing this and understand that, much like the bee, it is my responsibility.
As Americans, we have individual rights as well. Many feel that means we only have an obligation to self and very little responsibility to our community. In no way does having individual rights relieve me of my obligation to the community I live in.
Those who feel they do not have to work or those who feel they do not have to pay taxes are equally irresponsible. In any colony the healthiest and the strongest are expected to carry a larger portion of the load.
Today, strength can be measured financially. The financially stronger should bear more of the load than those who are financially weaker. Many people of means would like you to believe they are not obligated to bear more of the financial load. When I look at the taxes taken out of my paycheck or when I write the check for my property taxes, I know it is a lot of money. I know I could buy my family and myself a lot of nice things with that money. But, like the bee, I also know I have an obligation to the “colony” that I live in.
Doug McCartney
Lake Stevens
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