Paying, and then some

Dear President Obama:I know your schedule is hectic, so I won't take too much of your time. Just wanted to let you know that I paid my income taxes today in case Detroit or the banking industry was in need of some more rapid cash.

Like millions of other hard-working Americans, I paid my fair share and the fair share of several others since I fall into that greedy tax bracket that you so dislike. Can't say I was happy with the final amount, but I know my responsibilities and so I wrote the check.

Actually, Mr. President, I represent a segment of the population that is taking it on the chin. You see sir, I don't fall into that super-rich category who are able to hire a virtual army of accountants and lawyers to peruse the fine print of the 664-page IRS code this year. So I'm unable to take advantage of tax breaks that, quite frankly, I don't even know about.

No sir, I just write down my income, add a few deductions for home mortgage and a few charitable dollars and then turn to the ugly pages that indicate just how much I owe the federal government.

But don't misunderstand. Though I may complain, I know that my tax dollars are important to keep the federal government providing those fine services that form the foundation for the American way of life.

I read where about half of the population pays no taxes whatsoever. Not a penny. And. I read where many of those who do not pay actually get some money back each year. I know that's your way of leveling the playing field or redistributing the wealth. I get it loud and clear.

But now you want hard-working Americans to fork over even more money to smooth out the bumps for those who are not experiencing the American dream. You want to cast a wide net and assure that all Americans share in the wealth. There's an ugly name for that form of government, Mr. President, but that doesn't seem to bother you.

Many years ago, I started a business through hard work and not one single cent of assistance from the federal or state government. I took a risk. I gambled my future, used credit cards because I had no cash, hired people and sometimes went without pay myself in order to succeed.

I'm proud of that path to success. But now you want me to pick up the burden of others who were unwilling to take that path of responsibility. Not unable but unwilling. You want my taxes to improve the lives of those too lazy to improve themselves. And you think me greedy for being a bit out of sorts with your plans.

Mr. President, I'm not greedy. I give more than I take. I help those who need help. And yes, Mr. President, I'm one of those who feeds, houses and provides medical care for those on the bottom rung of the financial ladder.

Be careful Mr. President that you don't kill the golden goose. Unlike the federal government, I cannot spend money I do not have. So walk carefully, sir, because the day may well come when my meager expenses combined with my tax burden may actually exceed my income. When that day arrives, I cannot print more money or simply run a deficit. No, sir, on that day I will simply join the growing ranks of those who look to the federal government to provide my needs. No longer a giver, I become a taker.

Mr. President, you may want to huddle with your advisers and devise a plan that takes that into consideration. I don't mind paying my taxes. I mind the way you want to spend my hard-earned dollars. I feel your change, Mr. President. I just don't share in your hope.

Another taxpayer