Tax Analogy

So, I have seen the meme above done a number of ways, the first several dozen times I thought it was a lousy lesson and was not based in reality. But then I got to thinking and it hit me that there is a very brilliant lesson in this, so here it is...

First of all, no one really pays 30% in taxes, that is just a propaganda point used by the fiscal conservatives, the rich, and corporations to inflame the argument that they need tax relief. But we will leave that alone and talk just about taxation and its purpose.

Yes, eating 30% of your kids ice cream can teach them an in depth lesson of taxation and its purpose, just don't end with the lesson with only losing several bites or licks of ice cream. Tell them where that ice cream is going. That the lose of ice cream went to offset the transport (infrastructure) to the creamery, another part went to protection of getting them to and fro safely (civil law), and still more of that went to providing clean water, air, and the FDA (make sure that ice cream is safe). Still more parts of that taxation went to utilities (need to keep it at the right temperature).

Next, extent the lesson to construct of money, and that you (the government) created and backs the value of the ice cream. Yes, it was awarded to them for something they may have earned (through chores, grades, sports, arts, etc...), but none of that would have been possible without an education and once again that costs ice cream which needs to be collect through taxation.

A truly enjoyable lesson for all, now go buy your kid some ice cream...