How long can we afford this game?

In regards to the economy and politics I have a lot to learn; however, I can't help but feel that this tax issue has gotten a little ridiculous. Perhaps it's my ignorance on the subject, but does it have to be as complicated as it is?

We want good educations for our children, roads to drive on that are free of meteor-sized potholes, and enough police and firemen to go around (just to name a few). Well, where do you think these things come from? Nothing is free. Illinois (or the U.S., for that matter) can't just go out to the backyard and start pulling money from the tree. Sure we might get taxed a little more, but not facing the increase and losing things like police and fire protection seems like a stupid and needless risk.

Spend wisely; evaluate the causes that our dollars go to. Then if we have made better spending choices, and still need to increase some taxes, so be it. We want all these services and amenities, but we don't want to have to pay for them? Someone help me, it doesn't make sense. There are other countries that impose much higher taxes than we do, and have much better services, too. Of course we want something for nothing, but how long can we afford to play this game?

Amy Fabian

Bensenville