It would seem our local, state and national governments have forgotten who they are supposed to help. Or perhaps, they consider the average citizen in far better financial shape than most banks and car manufacturers across the nation.
Because instead of creative thinking and new ideas, it seems the only available solution to any problem is for our leaders to dig deeper into our pockets, to think of new ways to deplete our already fragile bank accounts.
Locally, residents must purchase a lump-sum $100 permit to use the trash collection centers. If you purchase the permit past Sept. 1, it costs an additional $25. Now, there are reports that the county is charging residents an additional amount per person in each household.
Last week, the state announced that homeowners will pay an average of $200 to $400 more property taxes each year.
This past weekend, a presidential spokesperson said there is a possibility that employer-provided health insurance may be taxed.
These are merely a few changes and proposals that have come in the past few weeks. It seems every other day, our leaders find new ways to take our money. And it’s not just one side of the political fence either. Democrat and Republican leaders are all finding ways to wheedle more money from their constituents.
Given that convenience stores can be charged with raising gas prices too high during an emergency, it’s a shame taxpayers can’t charge our governments with price-gouging.
Many households have reached a point of financial emergency.
And their governments are not helping. Instead, governments are inflicting pain on their constituents.
This isn’t the type of taxation that keeps some folks from having to downgrade luxury items. This is the type of taxation that has some people deciding if garbage disposal is a luxury, or wondering if they can keep their house. This is the type of taxation that has people down on their knees praying to God to spare them and their families from another burden.
These new fines, fees and taxes are hurting people. They are hurting regular, hard-working people who are more and more not only trying to get by but just stay afloat. The governments and leaders who claim they are working for the people are drowning the people.
People are hurting and they are crying out for help. If you’ve looked at the Rant & Rave on this page lately, you know that we could rename it A Cry for Help.
More taxes, fines and fees are not the help that people need.
What We Think
WHAT WE THINK: Tough times
- What We Think
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
