Taxes or theft

It is not the right or job of the government federal or state to be the equalizer of the personal finances of working, taxpaying citizens. The U.S. Was founded as a capitalistic economy where everyone has the right to make money, to buy things that they can afford and as such not buy things they cannot afford.

40% plus of our state taxes go into that vast black hole called “Social Programs”. What programs? How many of these programs are charities that I and other taxpayers would not contribute to? What right does the government have to steal money from working people to fund charities they don't support? Add to that the punitive taxes put on gasoline, heating oil, cigarettes, liquor, all the “evil” things do-gooders want us to stop using or using as much of as we do. They don't have the courage to outlaw these items so they just tax them excessively as to limit their use.

Are these “Social Program” taxes legal according to the U.S. Constitution? Is it legal to steal money from people to support charities they don't believe in or support? Franklin Pierce (14thPresident) didn't believe so when he vetoed a bill with charitable purposes and the veto stood. It is the government's job to provide for (not promote) the “general welfare” of the people which is police, fire, education, roads, etc.. It has now been expanded to include food, shelter and clothing which at this time are needed. But are cell phones? And now expanded to charities in apparent violation of the constitution? Why? I think it is time this is looked into.

Let's now look at the punitive taxes. Penalty vs. tax. What right does the government state or federal have to penalize people for legal activities? I don't believe they have that right. Either make that activity illegal or treat it as all other legal activities with the same tax requirements. Which brings to mind the question, if they achieve their goal and end or severely reduce the use of these items where will the tax money come from to replace this money.

I believe these are valid questions and we the taxpayers of CT deserve answers from our tax and spend democratic controlled legislature and governor who give no thought to how it affects the workers who earned the money to provide the best for their family.