Tax Freedom Day

So, May 3 is the big day, the Tax Foundation’s “Tax Freedom Day,” when you are no longer working to pay for your government. There is another way to look at it. May 3 is the day when you have finished paying for your share of our national defense. It is the day when you have paid your share for our national highway system, air controllers, inspection of meat processing and for food safety. Your share pays for watchdogs over U.S. products that may be unsafe or shoddy and safeguards against unsafe drugs and medical products. It pays for writing and enforcing laws protecting our water and air, preservation of our lands and all protections expected by a civilized society.

You’ve paid to care for those less fortunate among us, so they do not starve or lack minimal medical access. You’ve paid to secure our parents and, ultimately, ourselves in old age. You’ve paid to assist in the education of our populace so we may function as productive, informed citizens. These are a mere fraction of the benefits for the modest amount you spend from Jan. 1 to May 3. It’s a steal at twice the price.

C. JEAN COHEN

Westminster