We, the Philanthropists

My eyes popped up when I saw this headline while surfing on the web - "Salaried class : IT exemption limit raised" To my disappointment and utter sense of disbelief, I discovered when I read it the 3rd time that it was not a ":" but a "Want" in that headline. A classic case of "Mind read what it wanted not what the eyes saw"

[caption id="attachment_1417" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Mind reads what it wants not what eyes saw[/caption]

After all,  it was "only" a demand from a lowly Class of downtrodden and roughshod population of this nation - the salaried class, as if they have any rights to demand.

When I walk into the Income Tax Department office, my heart swells with pride for what I do, the most philanthropic act anyone can do, in fact. Looking at those seated, snoring, behind their desks amidst the pile of files - I couldn't help watch them with a glint in my eyes and wonder with pride, " here are those folks in India that I feed, nourish and nurture"

[caption id="attachment_1419" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Taxes that we Pay help a needy man catch up on sleep[/caption]

And when over ambitious Justice Katju blames me for malnutrition, I obviously have reasons to take offense. And I distinctly remember I also fed this juvenile Katjus via my tax payment (even today feed him in the form of  post retirement doles, pension and position) and yet this thankless luminary debunks this and cites malnutrition. I would accept if he appears anything but malnourished, I am not speaking mentally malnourished here, for which I cannot be held responsible. Here is another friend Mediacrooks delivering the Justice that Justice demanded for 10000 killed in Gujarat.

And we have yet another Member of Parliament - the famous one whose "sweat" costed him a cabinet "seat".  Do I pay my taxes to pay this Chivalrous MP who "takes a good 10 days (NaMo said this on 6th Feb 2013)" to discover that Air is not important and think of something else to pour (a Whiskey or Rum?) to make the glass full. Not surprised someone who has worked hard(ly) to earn that Sweat Equity for his "then" invaluable Friend.

[caption id="attachment_1421" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Rejoinder for NaMo Half Glass Remark at #SRCC[/caption]

As someone said, while Optimistic Tax Payer who saw the Glass Half full haggled with Pessimistic Tax Payer who saw it as Half empty, an Opportunist mixed his drink and walked away evading his taxes (not naming since he is already busy suing a famous journalist and why add myself into his "To-Be-Sued" list)

I have some serious doubts on how my Tax money is spent.  Why should I pay for upkeep of Mughul Gardens just for the enjoyment of  the "One" who has been rewarded by Tax Collector (Government) as a perquisite for favor done earlier?  Just an old couple who are past their prime to enjoy them, walking with a bunch of guests who drop in once in a while all for free.

[caption id="attachment_1422" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Mughal Gardens in Rashtrapati Bhavan[/caption]

Why not ask them to "pay and use" like our Sulabh Shouchalayas. I am sure it is not as taxing for them as it is for me to pay for it

[caption id="attachment_1423" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Unlike Rashtrapti Bhavan this place keeps my neighbourhood clean[/caption]

I was travelling in Mangalore some time back. Saw that Government has hired so many life guards, again paid by taxes we pay. I am not forcing those going for a swim and why the heck should I pay to pull them out of troubled waters? Let those who want to go for a swim realize that every action has its consequences and cannot be spoilt by this Nanny Government at my cost.

[caption id="attachment_1425" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Panambur Beach - Rocky & Dangerous[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1426" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Samaritans who risk their lives to save others' lives & I pay for it[/caption]

We are slowly becoming a nation of entitlement. Free Water supply in  Bengaluru's Lalbaugh  is another such overindulgence. Early morning joggers (Yes they have united under the banner of Lalbagh Walker's Association) come there to enjoy their freebie at taxpayer's expense (During later hours there is an entrance fee) and if they feel thirsty let them carry their water bottles (and not litter the place with empty ones - cleaning up for which I pay again)

[caption id="attachment_1427" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Glass House, Lalbagh, Bengaluru[/caption]

Now that I have given very few examples to buttress my point, Increasing Taxes or the exemption limit is no solution. NO TAXES is the solution. We are a nation who probably spend more to collect our taxes than the tax amount itself. Do away with them. Anyway we are taxed on every item that we buy. Go after those big fishes. Taxes from just 100 of them, who anyway pay pittance as as taxes are enough to take care of the nation. Salaried Middle class has been more than philanthropic till date. Spare us now. Finance Minister of UPA please note the above. In case you are not able to do anything much, pass this on to Finance minister of the NDA.

Until then let me go and meditate to find my Solace in His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar 's The Art of Living Ashram hoping against hope that I see a NO-TAX regime.

[caption id="attachment_1432" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Sunset Through Vishalakshmi Mantap is The Art of Living Ashram[/caption]