Not ready to calculate my total cost
As I stood at the service counter, handing over the required amount for my land taxes (two days late, but not a penny short), I realized something important. I didn’t mind. Not at all. Taxes are the blood of our system, and without them, things collapse. Better accept that I’m not a Libertarian (and certainly not a Republican).
Now, that pesky sales tax; I could do with less of that. Or go straight to a VAT, like other jurisdictions. The companies go to great lengths to advertise the “lowest price possible”, which is great for comparison with their neighbours, but miss the moral rejoinder that “you ain’t done paying, yet”. My math skills are too low to actually calculate the “vig” collected by the state. Take your gross income, subtract your payroll deductions, and the sales tax on pretty much everything, with a quick note to self to add in the other taxes required by society. Look at the remainder. Weep, silently.
Received my order of bike pedals, this afternoon. No big deal, just better made than the ones that were furnished at the point of sale. I know… I’m doing some value added to the new mount, but if all goes well I may not have to purchase another one, ever. That’s why I bought that lunk of a lockset… Not ready to post any pictures (until the job is done), but I’m feeling rather pleased with the whole affair. I find myself looking forward to things like riding in snowstorms, and picking up essentials at the local market (only 4.8 km away, up and down hill).
