Warning! Rant in Progress

I support Congressman Joe Wilson! I am sick and tired of being abused, over taxed and lied to!
I am sick and tired of having my wages reduced every time the state decides it needs more money. I am sick and tired of driving on bad roads that my taxes pay for. I am sick and tired of seeing big corporations get bailed out while I fall behind on my mortage. I am sick and tired of seeing the auto industry and other industries being taken over while the rights of the citzens are being trampled.

My name is John Kokolski welcome to my world. Recently the state of Massachusetts decided that they needed more taxes. In their infinite wisdom they decided to raise sales taxes. With the sales tax came an increase in the meals tax. Cities and towns were given the local option to raise taxes even further. Who is the one paying those increased taxes, the customer. Who gets hurt by the increase in taxes? ME!!!!!

I deliver pizza for a living. A few years ago, I decided to try doing it full time. I love my job. I have made a good living at it in the past. For several years it paid the mortgage and kept two cars on the road. I get paid in the form of wages, a run allowance and tips. In Mass, I get a wage below the minimum. Ct pays the minimum. The run allowance helps to pay for gas, maintence and insurance. It does not even come close, but it helps. I drive my own car, pay for my own gas, insurance and repairs. What I really count on to make a living is tips and that is the problem. When the government needs money, they add a tax, when corporate needs money, they raise prices to my franchisees. When they need money, they raise prices. When these increases hit the customer, what happens, they do not tip as well. I either have to work harder or reduce my standard of living. I am sick and tired of both!

Now I am sure that some wil say, why not get out of the business? Not as easy as it sounds. Currently I have heard quotes that the "real" unemployment in this country is close to 16%.
I am 55 years of age. The only other industry, I have ever worked in is in worse shape then what I am doing now. I was partially unemployed for six months this year and am currently trying to stay out of foreclosure.

What I am getting at is whether you know it or not, you are all in the same position I am in.
Every time you go to work, you feed the beast. Put gas in your car, you feed the beast, buy virtually anything at a retailer and feed the beast. If you own a home or a car, you feed the beast. Maybe it is time to stop the madness now.

I wish that I could have been in Washington this weekend. I had to work and could not afford to go. Unfortunately I fear that those voices will not be heard. There is only one way to kill the beast, shut off the blood flow. I hereby pledge to live my life in such a way as to minimize any revenue to any government anywhere. While I do not seek to engage in any illegal acts, I am going to take steps to reduce my tax liabilites and keep my taxable activities to a minimum.

I am also going to suggest a national tax holiday. It is time for us to take radical action. On the day to be determined, a general strike will occur. Those who chosse to join us, will not work, nor will be be in the stores. We will not buy gasoline or other taxable items. We will stay home and meet with our families and friends. It will also be a national day of rest. A true national day of prayer. Maybe someone will listen?