Opinions: The Issues

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Ageism

Ageism is a common type of prejudice that as far as I can know has been around forever and always shall. Ageism is the judging of

someone based on their age; assuming that someone of a certain age may or may not be able to do or understand one thing or another. This is

my own definition. Althought ageism may not be the most outstanding type of prejudice portrayed in To Kill a Mockingbird, it really stands out in

my mind as one of the most common and unbreakable prejudices in existence. In recent times, other sorts of prejudice, such as racial,

religious, sexual, and social, while still being common and widespread, have made serious progress in becoming less of an issue than before.

At least, that's what it's made out to be. However, it is my opinion that everyone is guilty of ageism, no matter race, denomination, sex, or class.

Although we may try, it is just very difficult to look at an eighty-year old saying he could beat you "anytime, anywhere, anyplace," and give him the

benefit of the doubt. Few could, it seems, until they are lying on their backs, with one arm in a wrinkly death grip!

Of course, it works the other way as well. As I am only fifteen, I can probably more strongly relate to the younger side of the story, which is

that older people are always putting them down, even if they do so unwittingly. When little Susie shows them her drawing of deoxyribonucleic

acid, and gets a pat on the head and a "Thats very nice, but please don't waste too much paper on your little doodles," or a "What is it? An

elephant sailing a houseboat," there's a good chance little Susie will grow up to be a stupendous burger flipper. Yes, these are, to a degree,

exaggerations, but the point is clear. Ageism is rampant.

Unfortunately, I cannot with good conscience hold myself up to be some ageism free model. No, I'm afraid I have always had a very bad

case of ageism, though I believe I have made some progress in that area. My suggestion to all is to be constantly checking yourself. Don't

assume Old Gran has false teeth. Don't assume little second-grader Bobby is too little to learn cursive. Everyone is different; indeed, we've all

had different lives, so join in the fight against ageism!

I do not necassarily promote the ideas put forth in this essay:

"The tax system in America is a system of tyranny," wrote conservative columnist Linda Bowles. "It is a gargantuan, constitution-busting, bureaucratic monstrosity, beyond repair or redemption" (KQED). The current form of taxation in the United States of America is so complex and so full of possible loopholes that it seems easier and more beneficial to the individual to find anyway they can to get around it. Income tax is an annual tax levied by the government on a corporation or an individual's net profit. A different form of taxation that has been suggested is the flat tax: a tax where a certain percentage is paid based on purchases. One bill that lobbies for this sort of taxation is the s.1921, entitled: A bill to promote freedom, fairness, and economic opportunity by repealing the income tax and other taxes, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, and replacing such taxes with a national sales tax and a business tax, The Broad Economic Simplification Tax (The BEST Plan). Thus far, it has only one cosponsor, as a similar bill, the H.R.25, has been gaining more momentum. Senators Jim DeMint and Lindsey Graham introduced the bill on October 25th of last year. DeMint said "Our tax code is the number one job killer in America, and it must be replacedThe 8.5% tax reform plan would pull the IRS tax code out by its roots and replace it with a system that is simple, fair, and revenue-neutral," while Graham claimed that "Fundamental tax reform is long overdueIf we want to prosper in the 21st Century global economy, we must reform our outdated tax system." Although the BEST Plan may seem drastic to some, at this point a drastic change seems to be what is needed; moreover, many aspects of this particular bill would evidently have many positive effects on the country's well being as a whole, both socially and economically.

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Will Rogers once wrote, "The income tax has made more liars out of the American people than golf has." This somewhat humorous statement has a rather sad ring to truth to it. Of course, it is human nature for the individual to do what is best for him, and, therefore, it is only natural that there will be those who try to get around a system that reduces their net profit. However, this number of people seems excessively large as of now, and the more excruciatingly complex the American tax system becomes, the more contempt people have for it. How many people do you know who are willing to pay the maximum to a system they have no respect for? In fact, "Many critics of the current income tax system argue that the tax code has become so complicated, it is simply too unwieldy to be efficient, effective, and fair" (KQED). This is why the BEST Plan has been submitted. This bill, through repealing the income tax, estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes, and the Financing of Presidential Election Campaigns provisions, would attempt to provide fairness, opportunity, and freedom. It would impose "a sales tax of 8.4% on the use or consumption of taxable property or services, to be administered and collected by the states" (frwbgate). This sort of change would be fundamentally important in the United States, as it would affect virtually every aspect of it.

There is very little obvious opposition to this bill, as it has not seemed to draw very much attention; not, at least, compared to H.R.25, a similar bill that already has over 50 co-sponsors. The general public does not seem to be highly aware of the very existence of this bill or what it entails. Of course, as s.1921 has not been passed, there must be those who are not eager for the changes it would bring about; indeed, this is understandable, as these changes would be very far-reaching. It generally feels safer to maintain the status quo, not to mention easier, rather than to cause actual alteration. This is not to say that all those in opposition are so for selfish reasons. There is also the possibility that they are concerned about the chance of an unreasonably high tax rate being imposed and thereby the prompting of a black market of sorts. This could also infuriate voters and cause even greater changes in the political distribution of elected officials. This sort of upheaval is definitely a cause for concern and an understandable stance for the opposition.

Of course, the social impact of the sweeping change s.1921 would cause would be very great. The bill itself claims that its passing would "improve social mobility", while the continuance of the income tax actually impedes it. It also says that it would thereby "reduce the administrative burdens on the American taxpayer." As was mentioned, the incredible complexity of the income tax leads to much time being consumed in the process of trying to deal with it and ways to get around it. This is time burned, efforts exhausted. It has become a social trademark of the American people, a constant target for the derision of the world. Lecturing in "The Nature of Math", Tom Lehrer said, "On my income tax 1040 it says Check this box if you are blind.' I wanted to put a check mark about three inches away." It is also a cause of resentment, as it can hardly be called fair. As Plato said, "When there is an income tax, the just man will pay more and the unjust less on the same amount of income." The fact that those who know how and are willing will pay less is hardly incentive for the "just" to maintain their law-abiding honesty. And a trend of lies-a culture based on dishonestyis hardly the type of society anyone would want to raise their children in. The BEST Plan would be a step toward abolishing this trend, as it would eradicate many of the abundant loopholes the corrupt and able currently use.

"The tax rate cuts of Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton and Bush proved that flatter marginal rates spur greater investment and economic growth. Fundamental tax reform would be rocket fuel for the U.S. economy" (Factor). Indeed, the economy would be the biggest recipient of s.1921's impact. If this plan was put into action, Factor says, "All the corporate loopholes, deductions, evasions, shelters, safe-housing and off-shoring would cease to exista simplified tax system would stimulate greater economic growth." Why? According to the bill, it would increase investment, output, and international competitiveness. With the greater ease and certainty inherent in the BEST Plan, investments would not be discouraged, and business prospects would be more predictable. It would be harder to be confused out money. The economy would be smoother, more efficient, and progressive, not trapped in the complicated muck of the income tax system.

As far as how the rights of those affected are expanded and/or limited, it depends on how one looks at it. On the one hand, the rights of the American taxpayer could be said to be hampered by the possibility of a black market sprouting due to the flat sales tax rate. One could also claim that the government could feasibly collect less revenue, and, therefore, those who use government run institutions may be hindered in that way. In addition, one could say that the middle class would be hurt more by this than the upper class. On the other hand, it seems a black market would be a more clearly defined, easier thing to handle than the interminable loopholes and sub-clauses in the income tax system. Plus, the money and energy poured into the upkeep of the income tax system could be placed in other venues, such as increasing the efficiency of government run institutions; moreover, the funds would be more predictable based on the current state of the economy. And the American citizen's right to equal opportunity would be better upheld. If someone from the upper class chooses to spend only what the person in the middle class spends, which is highly unlikely, and so have more money left over, then that's just how it is. That's their right to have as much property-or as little-as they want.

Based on the evidence put forth here, it should be clear to see that it would be nice to see s.1921, the BEST Planor a bill like itput into action. Not only is it simpler than the current system, but also it clearly benefits the nation as a whole. Economically, it spurs growth and progress. Socially, it attempts to abolish a trend of dishonesty and a source of shame. Most of all, a flat sales tax would uphold the American ideal of equal opportunity, one of the very foundations this country was built upon.

Works Cited

Bill, s.1921. 26 October 2005. 2006. 14 November 2006. .

Denton, Wesley. DeMint, Graham Sponsor, Comprehensive Tax Reform Plan. Jim DeMint. 26 October 2005. 2006. 14 November 2006.

Factor, Mallory. Get Serious About Tax Reform. 17 April 2006. Human Events. 2006. 14 November 2006. < http://www.humanevents.com/article.php ?id=14093>.

Lehrer, Tom. The Nature of Math. The Quotations Page. 4 April 1990. 2006. 14 November 2006. < http://www.quotationspage.com/subjects/taxes/>.

Plato. The Republic. The Quotations Page. 427-327 BC. 2006. 14 November 2006. < http://www.quotationspage.com/subjects/taxes/>.

Rogers, Will. Illiterate Digest, "Helping the Girls with their Income Taxes."

The Quotations Page. 1924. 2006. 14 November 2006..

"You Decide." KQED. 2006. 14 November 2006.

Etiquette

As time goes on, it seems that more and more classes are becoming available to students eager to learn, progress, and boast impressive highschool transcripts. The opportunities nowadays are astounding: advanced placement classes, higher level math and science classes, and so on. However, there seems to be an ever growing trend at the same time, one that is highly disturbing. People seem to have forgotten almost completely the basic etiquette that bound us not so very long ago. The self-centeredness is borderline childlike, immature in the extreme. Moreover, many do not seem to realize when they are being rude until someone who does remember the old etiquette points it out. I am guilty of poor etiquette myself; indeed, I am cursed with the embarrassment that seems to be a constant in my generation when we are confronted with situations that require etiquette, such as merely knowing when to say "please" or "thank you". Of course, this lack of manners is something that can and will be detrimental in the long run, as it will affect our relationship with others, including our superiors in the job industry. It is the goal of schools to prepare their students for the real world, to provide them with the capability of being full-fledged citizens in society. Therefore, as a training in etiquette could only aid in this education, it ought to be a mandatory course.