With taxes we buy civilization?

The phrase "with taxes, we buy civilization" was famously stated (according to the IRS) by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Supreme Court Justice Jr. from 1902-1932. Holmes' actual quote, "I like to pay taxes. With them, I buy civilization," expressed his view that taxes are essential for the functioning of a civilized society. Justice Holmes didn't see taxes as a purely negative burden, but rather as an investment in a more "just and prosperous society." I wonder. Is the reverse true? With NO taxes is there NO civilization? I don't know. After three decades of cries for "No NEW taxes!" we now boldly demand "NO taxes at all!" Even our greatest priority when voting can be "Who will lower my taxes?" What impact do our cries to reduce taxes have on our elected officials? As we become more personally focused on our own self-interest, do they? Doesn't it seem that more and more, officials' focus is not on public service at all but rather more about keeping their power, their office, and getting more money? Should we care about well-functioning, problem-solving, equitable government, or just what's best for us? Don't get me wrong! There is lots to be angry about in how our tax money is spent. Consider the State of Ohio in particular. We've ranked in the top 10 in the nation for most corrupt state government. Yet we are in the bottom third overall in other state rankings — education, economy, health care, crime and corrections, and infrastructure — all have poor grades. It's quite frustrating! What are they doing with our tax dollars? Meanwhile the state keeps cutting funds that help us locally. Property taxes, for the most part, fund local government. Townships, school boards, libraries, cities, counties — where we get the biggest bang for the buck. It is also where we can have the most say. We can share concerns with these officials when we see them at Berry's or Schild's. We see much good, frugal governance locally, striving to deal with a state government constantly reducing their income stream – basically keeping our funds. We all remember Local Government Funds — a 40-year promise to taxpayers — broken? Hence property taxes go up. Local public services are a big part of our local civilization. Our schools, libraries, roads, water, safety forces, and emergency response. The important work that makes us a more just and prosperous local community. We must find equitable ways to fund this important work, and I don't think lotteries, marijuana, or sports gambling will do it. To me fair taxation is the better way to do it. I'm willing! Am I a crazy, out-of-touch socialist? No, but I am a Christian. Through the lens of faith, look at another quote from Justice Holmes regarding the Sermon on the Mount: "Most people are willing to take the Sermon on the Mount as a flag to sail under, but few will use it as a rudder by which to steer." Holmes speaks of that tendency to treat Jesus's teachings as an admired ideal ("a flag") rather than practical, yet challenging principle to guide our lives ("a rudder"). How prevalent today! Indeed, we can use these teachings as a rudder. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, did speak of investing in a just and healthy society — "Feed the hungry, cloth the naked, visit the imprisoned, welcome the stranger." He did speak about paying taxes and civic duty, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." He tells us how to think of our riches, "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." These days elected officials are constantly waving their flags at us. But we don't see much progress. Perhaps it's time that they and we lay down our flags and together seek a stronger rudder. Sue Lesch Former mayor of Norwalk