And to make things worse, it is an achingly beautiful day with temperatures in the mid 70s, (~25C) clear skies, redbuds, dogwoods and tulips in bloom, trees budding and an absolutely perfect opportunity to get needed work done in the yard. Even though my business grossed very little last year I still have to go through the whole process.

Taxes may be the price we pay for living in a civilized society, but the manner in which taxes in the USA are levied and collected is oppressive and extremely unfair to all but the top 1%. Jimmy Carter was right--"a disgrace to humanity."

The RW loves flat taxes. How about a flat tax of 1-2% on the unimproved value of land and a higher tax, say 3-5% on gross revenues of corporations for the privilege of limited liability, immortality, etc. While we are at it, throw in a similar tax on all revenue derived from patents and copyrights and on legal, accounting, architectural and engineering professional services. Might as well dream big.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."