by Brandon Romines

Created on: August 01, 2008   Last Updated: September 11, 2011

Obviously, something must be done to allay our national debt. Due to wasteful spending by the government, and an expensive foreign conflict, our debt is rather excessive. There are few things that can help to alleviate such a problem, and one of the most effective would be raising taxes. Although raising taxes would cause further dissatisfaction among the majority of the population it makes sense to do. A simple tax hike would not, however, fix the problem all by itself. Many cut backs should also be made, a good medium should be found. With the recent rise of the minimum wage, and the current income taxes already in place, more government revenue will be generated. This in itself is somewhat of a tax raise, the percent of taxes paid may not change, but the amount paid will.

Higher income inevitably causes higher income tax. Taxes may not be an enjoyable part of life, but they are necessary and they will most likely be around for the long hall, as will raises in them. The most effective thing for the people to do, would be to help decide what taxes will change, instead of resisting the inevitable. Higher taxes should also mean less cutbacks. As it stands, many of our programs are underfunded, poorly managed, or unneeded. If taxes were to be raised, frivolous programs discontinued and current programs managed more effectively, not only would more money be saved, it could be used more effectively. Simply cutting programs would contribute significantly, but would not be enough. The more quickly our debt is removed, the more quickly our economy can recover.

Very few people enjoy paying taxes, but most recognize the need. Simply raising taxes would enrage many people, and financially strain many others. An almost entire change in the economic system would be needed. Almost every tax we pay would need to be altered. Along with that standardizing taxation nationwide would likely be very helpful as well. If that were to take place, paying taxes would be simpler and more effective.

Overall, nothing will solve all of our economic problems and many solutions may in fact worsen them. There is no simple answer, and none of the answers will make everyone happy. So instead of trying, the government should try and fix the problems first and worry about the happiness part afterward. After all, if taxes can be raised they can be lowered again. Much more easily than re-establishing a closed program.

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