"Increased taxes"

The mayor of Hartford gave his "state of the city" address recently. He said that he had to use two of the words that people never like to hear and politicians never like to say: "Tax Increase." Well, at least 50% of that statement is true.

We are in a recession that's "rivalled only by the great depression," as he put it. So, here we are in the worst economic situation since the 1920's, people are hurting everywhere: out of work, losing their homes, business struggling, prices rising... What's the solution?

Take more money from those who still have jobs? Yeah, that makes sense.

Actually, what it says is: The function of the government is more important than the financial security of your family!

What do these people do? These people who now have problems paying rent and buying food because more of their money is going to the government? Where do they turn? To the government!

Now the government has a deficit and, in an effort to correct that, they've caused more of a draw on their already depleted funds!

"No, you foolish blogger, we're only going to increase business taxes." There's a solution. Make sure that those businesses are definitely not able to hire new people. In fact, depending on how much the increase is, let's cause more people to be out of work. That's even less money coming into the treasury coffers and even more people relying on the government!

I have an idea! Lower taxes! Let people and companies keep more of their money. Fewer people drawing on the funds of the state. More companies able to offer work. More money going back into the economy in the private sector rather than being forced in by the politicians!

Truth be told, however, if you want to funnel a culture into socialism the way to do it is spend money you don't have and then force the people to pay for it later. Once it's paid for, they'll be so used to sending 40%, 50%, even 60% of their paycheck to Uncle Sam that they won't notice that the government has taken over the banking system, has an ownership share in the auto makers, and decides who has their house paid for by the government. Now... where have I heard that plan before?