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
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. - More What We Think Headlines
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Shame in Berrien County
