Paying Taxes: Is it Smart or Dumb?

I recently watched a clip of one of the debates between Ms. Clinton and Mr. Trump where she stated he had paid no taxes for a number of years.

He quipped, “That makes me smart” (or something similar).

Three years later I want to respond. I’m aware this is late, but better late than…

Mr. Trump, since not paying taxes is smart, you are saying the milliions of Americans who pay their taxes are dumb.

That those of us who pay taxes to support our law enforcement officers, our military, our teachers, and pay for our highways, our bridges, our schools, our health care are dumb.

No, Mr. Trump. They aren’t dumb, they are Americans.

Not paying your share of taxes does not make you smart. It makes you selfish, Mr. Trump. You are dumping the financial obligation all Americans have onto the backs of hardworking taxpayers. They are carrying you so you can enjoy the benefits of their labor without having to pay for that labor.

Americans pay taxes so their children have playgrounds and schools. You use your tax savings to send your children to private schools and country club playgrounds.

Americans pay taxes so law enforcement officers, first responders, and  our military forces are paid while they protect us. You use their services, but don’t help pay their salaries.

Americans pay taxes so our highways, waterways, airways, bridges and other infrastructure facilities are safe and usable. You use those same facilities without contributing to their upkeep.

Americans pay their fair share and are proud to contribute to the well-being of others. You don’t pay your fair share, and you are proud to take advantage of those taxpaying Americans.

You, Mr. Trump, are not smart, you are selfish, and as an American taxpayer, I doubt your ‘Americanness’.

Yep, guess I needed to get this off my chest.