Taxes much maligned, but part of democracy

Kevin Hancock’s commentary (op-ed page, July 4) on why he should not have to pay any estate tax, though very long, failed to mention that the vast wealth which he is about to inherit was gathered up over six generations most of which time the estate tax has been in effect. His ancestors paid taxes that helped to fight our wars, protect our freedom, provide for our defense and care for our veterans who risked their lives to protect all of us, including Hancock.

A compelling argument may be made against the income tax, the sales tax, the property tax, and the excise tax because they are all imposed upon people who in many cases cannot afford to pay the tax and do so at great sacrifice, not having a large fortune from which to pay.

What taxes would Hancock suggest be raised to pay for the huge tax breaks he seeks for himself and his fellow millionaires? Maybe he would suggest that we not raise tax on anyone but add the money necessary to fund this huge tax break to the mountainous federal debt the interest on which we, our children, and their children, shall pay on for time and immemorial.

I am sure Hancock is a very patriotic person and in his commentary he meant to but omitted to include a few words to express his gratitude that he, his mother and father, and their ancestors were born in this magnificent country which we call the United States of America. It was here that it was possible to accumulate the great wealth in both their persons and their fortunes were protected.

Taxes are necessary to pay for the war on terror and our defense budget in order that we may maintain our position as the strongest and greatest nation on the earth and such other needs as are determined by our president and the Congress including money to support our sons and daughters in the armed forces who are placing themselves in harms way to protect us all.

Fate is about to thrust upon Hancock the tough decision of which assets of the enormous wealth which will be his and which to pledge to raise the necessary funds to pay his taxes. Right now he can inherit $1 million without paying any taxes and in a very few years, it’ll be raised to $2 million. Many of us wish that fate had been so kind to us.

How richly blessed Hancock is to be accorded the privilege to make those tough decisions within this, the greatest nation on earth.

Floyd L. Harding, of Presque Isle, is a former majority leader of the Maine State Senate and was the recipient of the 2002 lifetime achievement award presented to him by the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce and the Service Clubs of Presque Isle.