Roland Burris: “But even Washington and the other Founding Fathers recognized that taxation is a necessity--and that paying taxes is…”

“But even Washington and the other Founding Fathers recognized that taxation is a necessity--and that paying taxes is every American's patriotic duty. When they are levied--not by some tyrannical monarch across the ocean, but by a representative government--taxes are ``the price we pay for a civilized society,'' in the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes. It is the only way a modern government can function. We are each asked to contribute a percentage of our income, and in return we expect our government to provide certain essential benefits: A strong, highly-capable national defense. Adequate roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Quality schools. Emergency responders, so there is someone to answer the phone when you call 911.”