by: Thomas Craig

As a Libertarian-Republican, I am strongly opposed to almost every tax out there (especially the income tax).  While taxes are necessary to keep our Country functioning, they are too often imposed and way too high.  There is one tax that I do support, a "war surtax".  In the budding days of our Nation, Thomas Jefferson proposed that we implement a war surtax so that we know the financial cost of our actions, we don't bury ourselves in debt to pay for it, and most of all, so our Leaders are that much more motivated to end any war.  Jefferson wanted us to avoid war and the idea of a surtax would be a strong deterrent.  Unfortunately, Jefferson was not in the majority with this belief.  Skip forward over 200 years later and we find ourselves borrowing billions of dollars from our competitors and enemies to finance a war where the objective is becoming more and more blurred.  The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are being paid for with borrowed money and that money is going to have to be paid back sooner or later.  Instead of sacrificing and paying for the wars with our money, we have chosen to sacrifice our children's economy. 

Rep. Obey (D-Wis) and Sen. Levin (D-MI) both have proposed legislation which would impose a tax on a percentage of your income (tax would vary from 2% for middle class and low income to 12-15% for high income) to help pay for the wars.  This is a logical idea and dramatically help the debt we are accumulating fighting these wars.  There is an alternative, however, and it is simply to end the wars and bring our troops back home.  It is perfectly acceptable to support the war effort and to support sending in reinforcements.  Keep in mind, however, that if President Obama sends the requested 40,000 troops to Afghanistan, it will cost an estimated $40 Billion according to the Office of Management and Budget. 

Is it worth the cost of human lives and if so, is it worth crippling our Nation under debt?