[BrianG]

I honestly don't have a problem with paying income tax because it is supposed to go to various fed/state programs. The issues I have is (and some of these relate more to the state):

1) It is too much, and too complex. Doing your taxes should not involve an afternoon gathering mortgage interest statements, W2s, 1099s, receipts, etc. A simple flat tax that applies to everyone with no deductions. Why should someone who decided to have 5 kids get more breaks than a childless couple? Do they "deserve" it more? I don't think so, and I have kids.

2) Part of it goes to welfare and other "handout" programs. I understand giving someone a helping hand when absolutely needed, but it needs to stop when welfare (and other like programs) become a way of life. Too easy to get handouts if you have no integrity and ambition.

3) Military. I don't want to seem unthankful for the people that fight for my freedoms (limited as they are becoming), but do we really need 4 branches? And if we'd keep our people out of other countries, we wouldn't need as many people to begin with. And really, wars can be/are fought much more with technology today than treating people as cannon fodder like in old wars.

4) Gov't official salaries are way too high. It would be one thing if these people actually did something for their pay other than further their own agendas.

As far as president himself is concerned; I feel he is all but useless. And when I say "he", I don't specifically mean Obama, but any person in that office. Even if he/she did want to actually do something for the people, the rest of gov't can stop it in its tracks or drag it on till oblivion if it doesn't fit into their agenda. So, the president is just a figurehead IMO; parade him/her out in public during events, and then put them back on the shelf after.