Paying taxes brings joy to the people

1215, the UK, Magna Carta "No taxation without representation!" was the slogan of the royals against their king. They were willing to contribute their fair share to run the country but demanded participation in the decision-making process as much as accountability.

Recent deadly riots in Kenya over the increase of taxes to repay state debts or in Ghana E-levy taxes introduction to support the state budget are not a sign of civilian unrest over taxes but rather a sign of the demand they want Value for Money, good management of taxes alongside the economy out of which taxes are generated and accountability to round it all up.

When citizens are convinced by physical evidence their taxes are well spent and paying them helps to increase and stabilize the personal lives of today and tomorrow they know it brings joy to them. Before releasing the taxes and feeling fairly treated they want to ensure everyone contributes his fair share to the common course.

This moment of open hands to joyfully pay taxes touches the hands of richer and rich people. They argue they use hospitals, roads, schools, airports, harbors, water, and waste collectors as much as most people in society. Furthermore, in open and flexible societies, anyone can set up a company to become rich which is not the privilege of a few in society. They stretch their position to the extent that they ask why they should support neighbors taking life the easy way. These are the nitty-gritty details of a fair and just society willing to stand still, move slowly forward, or are society boosters.

Every society has to address these squares to make it round on their own terms based on tradition, expectations, and future aspirations. Scandinavian countries have high tax rates as they believe the government has to provide very good quality services like kindergarten, school, maturity leave, roads, and other forms of infrastructure and help for the less privileged.

The USA based on the Declaration of Independence is of the belief everyone is mandated to strive for their personal luck and happiness for the state only to provide a limited framework as states and on the federal level.

While in white societies it can be observed they started from Zero, along the way in their upswing progress had some setbacks but reached greater heights under various governments to developed nations. African countries on the other hand are stuck in the argument that Rome was not built in a day not reflecting on the fact other nations on other continents started like them with the same shoes but are already far ahead of them. These countries keep mute not to mention that they have no or not so many natural resources compared to Africa.

In Africa, the progress rate is along the Zero line an up-and-down line not pointing to heaven depending on leaders, not the common spirit to succeed over time and overcome any obstacles along the way.

Africa still waits for good news.