Gov. Rod B....

Mike Eberhart | July 26, 2004
First off, those of you that know my politics, know that I'm a conservative and a republican. So, I am willing to give credit when it's due. I wanted to say that I am impressed with what Gov. Rod Blagoevich(sp) has done so far for homeowners. He just signed a bill that will lower the real estate taxes for everyone that owns a home. It's only going to be about $100 - $200, but it's better than nothing. So, I give him one for that. I didn't vote for him for Gov., but next time I may if he keeps going in this direction.

So, good work Gov. Rod.

Jackie Mason | July 26, 2004
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Melissa Erin | July 26, 2004
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Scott Hardie | July 26, 2004
Am I alone in thinking that there should be a drastic decrease in the taxes paid by citizens, offset by a drastic increase in the taxes paid by businesses? As people, we work hard for our money, and we feel a sense of entitlement to it. In general, we also have a societal incentive not to take other people's lives or livelihood unless our own are in jeopardy. Corporations are the opposite: They have no feelings, and they have an incentive to crush their competition out of business just to increase the profits even if they're already in the black. I'm no economist, and for all I know such a plan might destroy our economy, but it seems to me that businesses (especially megacorporations) are much better equipped to deal with the sizeable tax hikes that will inevitably be needed to pay off the deficit, fund Social Security, etc.

Jackie Mason | July 26, 2004
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Melissa Erin | July 26, 2004
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Robert Phillips | July 27, 2004
So all of those who do not want to pay taxes at all can put up with the stupid children who will result from no spending on education. Perhaps those countries and places that value highly their educational systems will beat up on us economically if we don't invest now. I don't think the federal government should get involved in education, but it IS the states responsibility to do so. Someone HAS to pay whether anyone likes it or not. What about pollution...So without taxes no one will worry about pollution that crosses our borders. Think about places like India...The Ganges river is so polluted in places that it makes people sick just to bathe in it. People there can't afford to pay any taxes so the governements there make a calculated choice. Let it go to hell...The only good argument that conservative anti-tax people can come up with for problems like this is that there are better organizations to do these things than the government. In some cases the ONLY organization that has the authority to do these things is the government. We do not have the private infrastructure to provide these services...and we are still going to have to pay for them. I for one don't mind taxes as long as they don't get out of hand and I know where the money goes. Now we get to the crux of the issue in my mind....Accountability.

Mike Eberhart | July 27, 2004
First of all, I didn't say that I wanted NO taxes, I just said I was glad that he lowered them. Yes, I would want no taxes but I know that will never happen. Second, how much do you pay in property taxes? Right now, I pay almost $4,000/year. It's outrageous. So, I welcome the $100-$200 reduction. Also, I think I shouldn't have to pay for someone elses children's education if my own children don't atten public school. My daughter goes to a private school and I have to pay for that myself, along with paying for everyone else at public school. So when they lower my taxes on property, I am very happy.

Robert Phillips | July 27, 2004
Taxes for education come down to whether we believe that education is a public responsibility or whether it is completely a private responsibility. This is a primary difference between Republicans and Democrats. I think that if the public did not pay for education only those who could afford education would get education. The difference between the haves and the have nots was one of the reasons that the Roman empire fell. To support America even though we are a capitalist, democratic country we need to be mindful of the huge expanse between the rich and the very poor. Whether we like it or not.

Anna Gregoline | July 27, 2004
I have no problem paying for education - I believe it's one of the most important things we can do for our community and society. Even if I never have kids.

Melissa Erin | July 27, 2004
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Jackie Mason | July 28, 2004
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