You know what as someone who is part of the masses, and a below average income earner, I get it. If you're living in a country where you feel as though you never truly see where your taxes are going, it can feel like you're being robbed and to be honest I do feel that way. I look at all the potholes in the roads, the torn- up sidewalks, and run- down towns, massive flaunting of wealth by politicians and wonder, “what the hell is it we're paying for, exactly?” and also ask why they keep asking for more taxes to be paid. I remember having to worry about getting hurt or sick because I couldn't afford the health bills. I had to struggle to pay for university and ended up having to drop out due to lack of funds before my parents got a big break in their business and things changed for us. I remember feeling so angry whenever I'd see how much taxes were taken out from my little income for tax and government corporatives.
It does feel like theft, sometimes, when you look around and can't see a single sign of where your hard earned money has gone. Sure, surely, people will remind you that your taxes are going to the police and fire departments, military and to the roads and street lights and lamps. And that it's going to education (even though you know that there cannot be much going there). It's infuriating to see how rundown your towns are and how poor the people are living, don’t let me get started on the rural areas even. The thing is, your government doesn't care. They aren't working for you, not anymore. Politicians work for corporations, they work for the people with influence. They work for the rich and powerful. They don't care about how you feel. They want their money, they want their wars, and they want to make their buddies rich. They don't bother to put money into anything that matters for YOU. They only put money into things like the military, because the military makes the rich more money. War is business. The people have allowed the government to bully them for so long, they've stopped fighting. They've given up. In fact, this has been going on for so long, most aren't even aware that such a thing is happening. Now, maybe I've exaggerated a bit here, but it's not far from the truth.
Which brings me to the next question , should religious institutions be taxed? Yes, i believe, because they are in the business of selling salvation on a “pay what you can” basis. They can get tax credits for their charity work just as individuals and businesses do. Too many criminals are using the religious institutions as a loophole to get personal wealth without having to pay taxes. Originally, of course churches were deemed charities but they have long turned into a business. We would never expect a charity like Habitat for Humanity to own and operate private jets, to drive very expensive cars, wear overpriced watches and suits, while their “charity recipients” continue to struggle and sell “hope” to its people.