tax appreciation.

So far this year, I have paid $834 in income taxes. Yes, to many adults this number is probably laughable next to the thousands they pay – but if you put it into perspective for a moment $834 seems no small fare. To a college student, $834 can be three months of food. Two and a half car payments. Enough beer money to last years (perhaps for others only months…). It’s couple month’s rent. A semester worth of books. Two speeding tickets. Or – my favorite – a carefully planned five-day trip to California, London, Southern France or Spain.

However, after two hours in my economics class today, I have begun to think about that $834 a little bit differently. We’ve been discussing personal gain versus social cost. Though I’ve always found myself to be liberal leaning, when it came to taxes I’ve been stumped. It’s hard not to think of all the things I could have if I were allowed to keep the money that Uncle Sam takes from me each month. But after thinking on it for a bit, I’ve found a new way to appreciate taxes. Instead of thinking what I am losing, I am going to now think of what I am gaining…

Roads to carry me all across the country. 13 years of free primary and secondary school. Police officers that keep me safe. Electricity at the DMV, city hall and in the schools. Lawyers to represent the poor in court. The military that continues a disheartening war that is less supported by the hour… My $834 goes towards most of the things that I take for granted.

I’ve wished my cynicism away for the day. For once in a long while, the glass is half full. If having a life of order and society that is – relatively – peaceful costs merely $834. Then I guess I’m getting my money’s worth.