But after that day how much more is lost indirectly due to government mandates? A few weeks ago New England Telephone customers were told of a rate increase. On that same form customers were being advised of special discounts. Recently I received news from Western Mass Electric Company of a rate increase. Once again there was a note that customers who receive SSI, AFDC, Refugee Resettlement or other subsidies as such may receive a 35% discount on their bill.
I ask myself, why do I work?? Almost $1 out of every $4 I earn goes directly (payroll deductions) to the government which requires utility companies to honor other people's money at a higher value than mine! I figure I must earn almost $80 pre-tax dollars to pay my $60 electric bill while others, consuming the same amount, will pay less than $40.
It upsets me to know that once again I am required to further dig deeper into my pocket to pay someone else's tab. After paying taxes on earning (income), spending (sales taxes) and having (excise and property taxes) I find that what is left still does not stand up to the power of the unearned dollar.