Hidden vs Transparent Taxes: Introduction

This is a series wherein I am daring to promote the idea that taxing system used here in the United States of America needs to change from its current form, (which I believe is too heavily dependent upon what I call Hidden Taxes, into a form that involves Transparent Taxes. As part of this 8-part series, I explain why I believe making this change will help the poorest and neediest members of our society.

This first part provides a very brief introduction to the topic of Hidden verses Transparent Taxes including a brief statement about why I believe this is an important topic, and a special word for those who are "politically motivated."

What are Hidden and Transparent Taxes?

In the United States of America, we have what I feel are hidden taxes and transparent taxes.  If you are not already sure that you know and understand the difference between these two general types of taxes, and how they affect you, then this series is for you.

(Note: Understanding what I’m saying does not necessarily mean that you agree with me.)

Hidden taxes are taxes that are hidden inside the prices business charges to customers.  The customer’s money is used to pay those taxes, but the customer doesn’t know how much of their money is going toward paying the taxes being passed down to them.

Transparent taxes are taxes that a business adds onto the purchase price at the time of sale to the customer.  Under a transparent taxing system, the customer is aware of how much of the purchase total is in the form of taxes because these taxes are just another line on a detailed invoice or receipt.

Why is this an important topic?

I believe this topic of hidden verses transparent taxes is important because people cannot make informed choices about things that are kept hidden from them.

By the time you finish reading this series, I will show how and why I believe people are paying taxes that are legally hidden from them, and those who are paying these hidden taxes includes the poorest and most needy members of society.

Because of how important I believe this topic is, I will be repeating many of the same basic points about hidden and transparent taxes in each of the different parts in this series, and as part of presenting the various topics within each topic in each part in this series.

It has been said that “knowledge is power.”  Well, if it’s true that knowledge is power, then it must also be true that ignorance is weakness, and maybe even the same as slavery.

Thank you for taking time to read and ponder my opinion on this topic.
An Opinion Article by Dave Kemper
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It has been said that: "One definition of insanity is to do the same thing, the same way, over and over and over again, each time expecting to achieve a different result."
Therefore, we must either CHANGE the way we live, or we bind our future to our past as if with CHAINS.
"I do not consider myself to be better than anyone else.  But I do believe in exercising my right to not stay stupid."

David W. Kemper, Author
© Copyright 2014 by David William Kemper.  All right reserved
No part or portion of this publication may be modified in any manner without the express written permission of the author.  Quoting from this publication is allowed on condition that the name of the author and the name of the publication are included.