... maybe some were TAXED TOO MUCH to begin with... had to hold two jobs... didn't spend enough time with their kids.... thought it would be better to live together instead of paying more taxes...

"Gee Marcia, I guess the tooth fairy funds the social programs we share.

Without meaning to shock you, I submit that it is precisely through taxation that we set or strangle our social infrastructure. Public safety, educational opportunities, R&D and such are all directly tied to state funding."

Seriously and no kiddying! You really think people are stupid, don't you?

"In Florida, our Republican dominated State government has not seen the wisdom of being kind to social programs. Education has suffered,

*How? Where? I haven't seen or heard of any changes that would 'downgrade' Florida's educational system. It's a lot better now than during the Chiles-MacKay years!

"and grade 12 in our high schools has been virtually eliminated at the same time that Japan, Germany, and Belgium have added a grade 13 for their university bound students. You tell me, which group of students do you think would have the best chance of having a success when thrust into the university environment?"

Adding another year to US High Schools may benefit some, but not all (I see even more testing(academics) done in the future for that one. Could also be looked at as an excuse to delay grads into the work force.

"By the way, Graham and Nelson are both US Senators. They have no say in State government. But then, I am sure you know that."

Oh, but they are supposed to represent the great state of Florida and the voters that helped put them on Capitol Hill. (Bill Nelson is for shuttle safety!) Except, they don't always do... (for political reasons) or don't do a good job of it when they do. They connect us to the Federal gov/funds.

Most people don't mind paying taxes and I'm one of them.

Marcia