Why I Love My Country Enough to Pay More Taxes

Looking up at "Old Glory," from the Arizona Memorial

Honolulu, July 17, 2011

I love living in a country where --

- we have the liberty to make choices about how we live - 

- we are blessed with social equality and equality of rights -

- cultural diversity is the norm -

- children receive an education -

- we have the best medical care in the world -

- older people, who have served society in MANY ways, 

receive support from a system they themselves set into place (Social Security) - 

-  needy folks receive medical assistance -

- orphans receive care and guidance -

- people are helped to get back on their feet after hardship -

- we have resources to pursue safety from attack -

- the armed forces are well trained and much appreciated -

- there is freedom of spiritual choice thanks to the separation of church & state -

- brilliant minds seek cures for cancer, AIDS and other horrible diseases -

- wind and sun are harvested for alternative sources of energy -

- garbage is collected -

- roads, streets and signs are serviced and maintained -

- public transportation is made available -

- disaster relief is attainable -

- big-hearted people regularly stand up and fill in where the government fails or falters - 

- the variety of foods we can choose is bountiful and endless -

- we have national parks to infuse us with appreciation and reverence for nature -

- we have libraries & museums to educate us 

and remind us of our origins, the birth of our nation, the history of our earth - 

- a free market allows us to choose the best business or company for our needs -

- justice is pursued and served -

- we have FREEDOM OF SPEECH - 

- let me say that again, FREEDOM OF SPEECH -

- oh yeah, one more thing FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!! -

When I think of the many advantages we have, somehow a few extra dollars out of my pocket seems like a tiny sacrifice.  In fact, it seems like the honorable way to steward this great Nations we have inherited.

If I was allowed to speak beyond my vote -- and face it, writing letters and making calls to our congressmen and women, state representatives, even our President, don't make as much noise as your vote did originally -- I would let the elected powers know:

I AM MORE THAN WILLING 

TO PAY HIGHER TAXES 

TO SAVE 

OUR NATION 

.....and I am willing to bet, I am not alone.....

Pulling away from the Arizona Memorial 

one's heart is full of gratitude, sadness and a desire 

to serve those who served all of us...