Breaking it Down - 1.21.16

In paragraph 26, Thoreau distinguishes different types of taxes. Why? He continues by stating: “I do not care to trace the course of my dollar, if I could, till it buys a man or a musket to shoot one with,--the dollar is innocent,--but I am concerned to trace the effects of my allegiance.” Apply his position to today--what might our tax dollars go to today that would cause a similar reflection and response?

• Poll taxes
• He talked about poll taxes b/c he had not payed them in years. (six to be exact)
• tax dollars today go to things around the state and whatnot, like roads and schools (sometimes)
• tax dollars go to things like social security, medicare -- stuff to help out individuals who are in need, but the money also goes to pay for politicians and government officials/workers.
• julia makes a good point about taxes going towards various war items.