I might as well have my two penneth.........
Having read the entire thread I can kind of agree with a lot of what people are saying. It's digressed a bit from a tax paying moan, but nonetheless it still boils down to the original gripe of taxes (or is it tax's, or maybe taxi's?!).
If any of us had a choice we would choose to pay lower taxes or none at all. Of course we would. Anyone who says otherwise is an idiot. However taxes are not just designed to make you poorer. If you are in financial difficulty, instead of blaming the government (past or present), maybe cut back. Get rid of Sky. Try driving without your right foot firmly planted in the carpet. Shop at Lidl instead of Waitrose.
Just recently my views, not just on tax but on life in general have changed dramtically. Stick with me here. It goes off topic a bit, but will come back.....
12-months ago my father became ill. We were told at the time that it was pneumonia. He went for various tests, biopsies etc. In July 2011 we were told that he had cancer, again, for the 3rd time. In August 2011, after more tests, we were told that it was terminal. Approximately 12-months to live.
In January this year he took a turn for the worse and was admitted to hospital. I wont say which hospital, but it is in Crewe, Cheshire and is absolutely appalling! Anyway, they gave him 3-months to live. He came out after 2-weeks and received fantastic care from the District Nurses, McMillan and St. Lukes. District Nurses even stayed over a few nights to give us a rest. Less than 2-weeks later he passed away peacefully.
Back on topic now.........Can anyone hazard a guess at how much all that medical care and attention my father received cost us? The hospital appointments. The biopsies. The £2000 a time P.E.T. Scans. The Chemotherapy. The Prescriptions. The home care. etc....etc....etc....?
F*CK ALL. That's how much!
Now you may argue that we have already paid for that during our time paying tax. And that is true. But would you rather that than a Doctor saying "Well we can prolong your loved ones life, but we're going to need £5000 up front"?!
And that's just the NHS. Are mere percentage of what YOUR tax is spent on to make YOUR life better.
There are only 2 certainties in life. Paying tax is one of them. So quit moaning about it. Go out and enjoy life. And if times are that hard buy Aldi's own pizza's!! There is always someone worse off than you!
Hope you all have a lovely weekend x