Tom,

>>Funny enough that I'll forgive posting an April fools piece on April 16th. Then again it is tax day -- so actually it may be more appropriate than April 1...
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>>Humming a few bars from The Taxman...
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>>Thanks
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>Gar;
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>A very "taxing" day. Days like this make it easier to understand why the Bible discusses tax collectors in such negative terms.
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>Tom

Actually, the Bible discusses tax collectors in neutral terms but does certainly allude to the notion that the tax collector in the times of Jesus were almost universally hated. They were Jews who understood who was doing what (the Romans knew they never would) and were allows to charge 'extra' for themselves. Many were the millionaires of their day. The other Jews thought they were selling out the country for money. Today's equivilent would most likely be the US Senator. <g>

Remember, Jesus and Paul both said we should pay taxes. Of course, they didn't live in a representative republic and we get to vote. I vote for fewer taxes and I wouldn't even mind it if the 16th ammendment was found unconstitutional as I suspect it may be. <g>

Until it is officially overturned I will pay mine - not happily but I will.