So we just heard from our C.P.A. some unexpected and pleasant news: Bill and I are actually receiving federal and state tax refunds this year. A bit surprising, since we've paid through the nose every other year. It is clear that our state and federal governments are rewarding us for being conventional: marriage, child, a stay-at-home mother.
But really, is this appropriate? What philosophical tax are we paying for government-sanctioned values? Who sets these values to begin with? Why does an unmarried, childless, both-work-outside-the-home couple need to bear more economic burden?
Shouldn't we be concerned about the government rewarding lifestyle choices that should be private?
