Whenever I read about corruption, I seethe. So I'm surprised when people shrug their shoulders and say, "Talagang ganyan. Wala namang nagbabago." And still pay their taxes then complain about it. I am shocked that they think the present administration ought to stay because, well, anyone you put there will do the same. It could be apathy, cynicism, trauma, all that, but how can we be so casual about letting corrupt government officials steal our money to buy their SUVs (bad for the environment, by the way), expensive vacations--stuff regular citizens have to scrimp and save for? For some it's a question of getting 3 meals a day--one, even! Sometimes I wonder if it's because we simply have not made the connection between the taxes we pay and the state of the nation. Corrupt officials are using that money for their own needs--no, wants. So the money isn't going where it's supposed to. The poor are getting poorer and, this time, I'm not sure the rich are getting richer. I know the politicians are, though. I'm sure 95% of them will fail the lifestyle check. Miserably. We all know they're stealing, but does everyone realize what they're stealing? Our money. Money that can feed, house, clothe and educate. On that score alone, we should be livid. But we're not and they know it. So the cycle continues. ERAP is out. But there is not enough uproar. It's our money. We cannot shake our heads and expect things to change. Of course they won't, especially not if they know that is exactly what we will do. That's why the numbers are becoming more and more staggering. Abalos and his billions. And he's only one. Just one. Can you imagine the magnitude and scale of the collective NAKAW? Utter craziness. Sheer arrogance. Pure evil. Things can change and they will if we decide to be the change and CREATE it. Find out how today.Thursday, April 10, 2008
IT'S YOUR MONEY!!
Whenever I read about corruption, I seethe. So I'm surprised when people shrug their shoulders and say, "Talagang ganyan. Wala namang nagbabago." And still pay their taxes then complain about it. I am shocked that they think the present administration ought to stay because, well, anyone you put there will do the same. It could be apathy, cynicism, trauma, all that, but how can we be so casual about letting corrupt government officials steal our money to buy their SUVs (bad for the environment, by the way), expensive vacations--stuff regular citizens have to scrimp and save for? For some it's a question of getting 3 meals a day--one, even! Sometimes I wonder if it's because we simply have not made the connection between the taxes we pay and the state of the nation. Corrupt officials are using that money for their own needs--no, wants. So the money isn't going where it's supposed to. The poor are getting poorer and, this time, I'm not sure the rich are getting richer. I know the politicians are, though. I'm sure 95% of them will fail the lifestyle check. Miserably. We all know they're stealing, but does everyone realize what they're stealing? Our money. Money that can feed, house, clothe and educate. On that score alone, we should be livid. But we're not and they know it. So the cycle continues. ERAP is out. But there is not enough uproar. It's our money. We cannot shake our heads and expect things to change. Of course they won't, especially not if they know that is exactly what we will do. That's why the numbers are becoming more and more staggering. Abalos and his billions. And he's only one. Just one. Can you imagine the magnitude and scale of the collective NAKAW? Utter craziness. Sheer arrogance. Pure evil. Things can change and they will if we decide to be the change and CREATE it. Find out how today.
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2 comments:
"Sometimes I wonder if it's because we simply have not made the connection between the taxes we pay and the state of the nation."
You got it! Actually, I was talking to Minda, my mom's housekeeper. She's fascinating, the Juana de la Cruz who barely missed getting trampled upon by the stampede a few years ago at ULTRA during the Wowowee anniversary.
She does not pay income taxes so she sees politicians as a SOURCE of funds, thinking they're Robin Hoods, getting the taxes from the rich and giving it away to the poor.
What I had to make her realize is that she pays taxes on everything she buys -- that's why, as a restaurateur, I was upset at the BIR directive that the 12% E-VAT was to be HIDDEN in the list prices!
We can lobby for the E-VAT and all taxes and levies (on fuel, for example) to be added onto the selling price only in the receipt level, just to show the citizens the huge disparity of what the seller makes and what we are paying the government to support their excesses.
Just to let people know how also much support they are giving GMA and her henchmen directly.
That it's our money.
IT IS OUR MONEY!!!!! Much of our work really has to do with connecting the dots, between inner and outer in every way, from micro to macro. Your Minda is prime example diba? How can ERAP be anyone's idol? But especially sa masa, he is, despite what he was doing and what he went to jail for. But, sige, let's just keep connecting the dots for everyone. Every AHA! goes a long way.
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