Those April 15 Blues

Seldom do we see any joy in “Mudville” on April 15.  It was on that date, at  7:22:10 a.m. in 1865, that Abraham Lincoln died from an assassins’ bullet to his head.  It was also on that date that 1,500 people met their demise in an icy sea when the Titanic sank at 02:20 a.m. EST (05:18 GMT) in 1912.  And, of course, April 15^th is Tax Day in America. 

To be sure it is money that fuels our capitalistic financial system.  When that system functions as it should, the money is dispersed among all who toil thus propelling the common good and general welfare of our nation.  Money also has yet another often overlooked and intrinsic value.  It not only represents a measurement of success but more importantly acts as a statement of appreciation.  It reflects a level of admiration for the hard work, expertise and intelligence we bring to the marketplace – efforts and talents which ultimately benefit all of us. 

It would naturally stand to reason that some Americans would object to that resource being taken from them through the force of law – through the threat of incarceration – and would therefore view taxation as an immoral act. Walter Williams expressed it this manner; “Let me offer you my definition of social justice: I keep what I earn and you keep what you earn.  Do you disagree?  Well then tell me how much of what I earn belongs to you – and why?”  This perspective serves to further foster yet even more ugliness surrounding April 15^th. 

Is there no saving grace to this awful date?  But maybe – just maybe – a bright light – a ray of hope – can be found in Mr. Williams position on social justice. 

To answer the question; “…how much of what I earn belongs to you – and why?”  we must first learn from Mr. Williams what if any of the following initiatives he supports. 

Does he support a government funded military along with fire and police departments? Does he support the post office, public libraries, public parks, public education, student loans?  Does he support Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid?  How about initiatives for the handicapped and disabled; unemployment insurance, food assistance programs, and energy assistance programs?  How about clean water, clean air, safe food, safe medications, safe cars and airplanes, public roadways and highways, public transportation and a variety of public safety programs?  How about federally insured savings accounts, home loan assistance and a whole host of other programs we all benefit from each and every day? 

Once we have established what it is Mr. Williams’ is willing to pay for we can begin the process of determining how much of his resources will be needed to support those enterprises.  What Mr. Williams will learn from this exercise is that without the support of the entire country none of these programs would exist.  How many of us know of any American who would honestly oppose the wise, efficient and compassionate expenditure of tax dollars? 

So alas we have it.  Yes, April 15^th quite often acts as a day of sacrifice and pain.  But let’s not forget its joy as well.  For it is on this day that each and every one of us makes a positive contribution to the betterment of our nation and our fellowman.  It is this reality – this sense of pride in accomplishment and comradery that should flood our hearts and minds when writing our checks to the IRS.  For it is the recognition of that reality and the fact that we are further securing our freedom and liberty that is the panacea for the painful nature of our sacrifice.   

“Oh, somewhere in the favored land the sun is shining bright;

The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;

And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;

But there is no joy in Mudville” – - - -  if we let it be shut out.

                                                                       “Casey At The Bat”

 Earnest Thayer (Phin)