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Bertha Venation

(21,484 posts)
Thu Mar 28, 2013, 08:53 AM Mar 2013

Neighbor Shitstorm Update

Well, it's really mild, I guess, not really a shitstorm. But for me, it's huge because I get anxious and angry when I'm involved in any kind of political discussion.

If you don't already know the story, read this: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018347792

Note: Carla isn't my neighbor's real name. I'm just tired of typing the quote marks.

Last night, Carla posted this in reply to me:

"I want to choose where my donations go. Not the government. I believe giving to others and helping those who can not help themselves."

How would you reply?

Here's my reply:

"I feel that's not enough, Carla. Imagine a child whom no charity can reach but whose family gets food stamps. That child at least has something to eat.

"Giving to charity is important. But I don't mind paying a tax, too, to help those whom charity doesn't reach."

For some reason, it took all I had not to mention that I grew up on welfare and food stamps, and that my stepfather never got help from charities.

I wish I could put this on my feed so all my friends could see it. Is this possible?

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Neighbor Shitstorm Update (Original Post) Bertha Venation Mar 2013 OP
It's wonderful that you were able to deal with Carla. In_The_Wind Mar 2013 #1
Is she actually pipi_k Mar 2013 #2
Well, you know NOBODY gets any benefit from the taxes they pay ... Myrina Mar 2013 #3
Yes, that is Carla's belief, exactly. Bertha Venation Mar 2013 #4

In_The_Wind

(72,300 posts)
1. It's wonderful that you were able to deal with Carla.
Thu Mar 28, 2013, 09:13 AM
Mar 2013

As to: "I wish I could put this on my feed so all my friends could see it. Is this possible?"
I don't have your answer.




pipi_k

(21,020 posts)
2. Is she actually
Thu Mar 28, 2013, 10:02 AM
Mar 2013

referring to taxes as being "donations"?

IMO, donations are the money/goods people give not expecting anything in return...not even on their tax returns.

I donate to various causes but don't list them on tax returns. Seems sort of hypocritical to expect a tax break for giving from one's heart.

Anyway, wouldn't we all like to be able to control where our tax money goes. But we can't. We pay our taxes for the common good, even if we don't like how that money is used (except for when it's wasted via fraud).

If she wants to contribute to other causes she believes in, she can certainly do so independently of her taxes.

Myrina

(12,296 posts)
3. Well, you know NOBODY gets any benefit from the taxes they pay ...
Thu Mar 28, 2013, 12:46 PM
Mar 2013

... all that money goes to the same 500 people that utilize every social service and every charity across the country, none of it goes to benefit the general populace.


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