Politics and taxes

 I know this may not be the platform to voice some of my thoughts about politics and taxes but it will be interesting to hear what you think about my opinion. Especially after the state of the nation this week. I may have a different view about politics, then most people, because I am in the fortunate position to travel and to live abroad. You look at things from a new perspective. 

It seems that no matter what political system a country follows, whether it’s socialistic, capitalistic, democratic or even dictatorial, it’s all about how money is distributed in the country and out of the country. Taxes more or less pay for services.  When taxes are low service fees are high, when taxes are high, service fees are low. There is always this concern I have about why no one knows where exactly the money goes. Government Finances on National and Municipal level should be completely transparent. This way fraud can be prevented and tax payers will know exactly what happens to their hard earned money. 

In countries where more money is spent than earned, the people may be poorer and will not get richer by borrowing money. In fact, they will get poorer. This drive by companies to market their products via the media to make people want more than they need and then they overspend is not healthy. No one is gaining and the economy is racing down the hill. People owe banks money, banks owe investors money with no savings.  An illusion, “to be like the Joneses” or “to be like the Filmstars” or to wear branded over priced clothing “to look smart” is created.  To live in a neighborhood that only people with good relations with the bank can afford or to drive a car that costs more than the salary can actually cover, creates debt.  

They have no penny to give to the church or support good causes and cannot go to bed without being stressed. 

The economy of the country suffers but a group of money lenders are smiling as they are pressing money out of the sufferers. 

Social service jobs are not sought after any more because the focus is on materialistic things and the real value in life is forgotten the value of a person by his or her character and personality and not by his looks and bank account.

Sometimes it is a matter of survival where a one parent household needs to care for children and still has to pay high taxes without considering that the children are an investment for the countries’ future. 

Unless people who live just above the bread line can move out of their jobs and study further to get into the business market or inherit money or win the lotto they will stay where they are. Especially teachers and nurses. They need a tax break to stay and live a less stressful life. Some countries do that, why cannot all countries do that?

Political decisions are driven by majorities who either have no idea what they are doing or who know exactly how to play the illusion of a life of perfection. Promises are made and mostly never kept. 

Governments often take advantage of their own people. Their vulnerability is taken advantage of. They know that If you do not understand or know their doings, you will not ask questions. They want you to just believe in them so they can do what they want to.

If you do not do what they expect from you, like paying taxes, you are fined even if you cannot pay. It’s a cycle of power and money. Those who have get richer and those who do not have, are exploited. 

With globalization the power game is now between countries. The booming economies tell the non-booming countries what to do. They lend them money, but if they cannot pay it back they take their land and resources at a below market value. 

Quality schooling is not given to the kids to learn on a higher order level and to look at things from a critical perspective, because it will create insight and insight may be dangerous for the leaders.  

An atmosphere of comfort living and comfort food is created so people do not have to think about improving or keeping track of what is actually happening with their tax money. Or they are in a survival mode and have no energy to think how to get out of the poverty cycle. 

Only a handful of economies save money for the future and boost their banks, who in return invest the money abroad to gain profits. This handful of countries has focuses on values as: diligence, pride, quality, excellence, trustworthiness, group work and morals that look out for their co-workers. They work hard and sometimes have two jobs. They look after their children like gold and give them the best education for free. 

They pay their educators and health practitioners more than other countries. They pay their factory workers enough so they can save money, which they do. In these economies new knowledge is created faster and people trust their bankers and leaders because the proof is in the pudding. No corruption, no mental poverty, no lies or illusions. Children may ask questions in classes and universities and are not beckoned to sit quietly in a corner. 

They have a choice to work and study and are not pressured to study and make a load of debt and finish their degrees without debt with savings. 

They do not only start living a responsible life after their university training they live responsibly from the day they are aware of their talents. 

The citizens that can travel and see the world gain more knowledge and bring their expertise to the workplace. Politicians can break or make a country and the people need to wake up. It’s their votes that can change policies. It’s them becoming involved in committees and decisions making forums that make their and the world of others a better place. It’s them who can give rather than take from ignorant countries. They are the ones that learn to care from an early age and rather grab a book than a gun. Or are fighting on a sports field  than a battlefield. 

Their believe system is a based on love your neighbor as you love yourself. These economies thrive and grow and their citizens are happy and satisfied. 

Only by changing the mindset of the leaders the mindset of the countries will change. Instead of propagating wealth, good family values are propagated and the child is seen as a gift from

God. My wish is that all governments would govern their countries with wisdom and compassion and not to gain power and riches. That they create an environment of material and spiritual happiness for their citizens so all will work together to alleviate poverty, crime and promote higher order thinking and creating a good life for all.