Ethan Chang

No country’s economy is perfect because each economic system consists of some inherent flaws. Given the opportunity of this assignment, I took on the task of investigating America’s taxation system. Interviewing others, I posed the question as to whether they believe that taxes are being spent in an optimal way. All respondents responded with a firm no. Some claimed that it was “probably funding some sort of corruption in the government.” Others stated that “[America] spends too much money on [its] military.” While determining what the best sector taxes should be spent on is subjective, and therefore hard to determine, it is undoubtedly clear that a significant portion of society lacks trust in the government.

Respondents also further stated that they would allocate tax dollars from the military to education in low-income neighborhoods, or healthcare, or environmental protection, or transportation. “If even a small portion of military funding was put to these issues, there would be substantial benefits to society,” I asked them why they thought our government decides to put as much money in the military as they do. One answered that “the government is dumb” and another answered that America has a large ego and a need to be controlling of all other countries.

Then, I inquired about how perturbed they would be if tax rates increased marginally. One answered they’d be upset about having more money taken from them. The others said they wouldn’t mind paying taxes since it’s their duty as a citizen or that they know others would also be paying the increased tax rates. For the most part, it appears as if people are okay with changes to the tax system because they view it as a duty or as fair if their peers/community is also affected in the same way.

It’s clear that in today’s day and age, there is a large distrust and disagreement between the people and the government. We need to make a change and the first steps we individuals can make is to educate ourselves on policies, taxes, and the government in general.