Richard Umiker: Freedom is not free despite N.H. state motto

To the editor:

I just finished my New Hampshire Interest and Dividends tax return. As I did so, I was reminded of how grateful I am to live in New Hampshire and to have sources of income that continue into my retirement, as well as how befuddling it is that the I & D tax is being fazed out. Taxes are a sensitive topic everywhere, but particularly in our beautiful state, where so many seem to interpret freedom as implying that we expect to be free from responsibility to contribute to the common good. As a former teacher and current school board representative, I am particularly attuned to our collective responsibility to educate the next generation of citizens. I am also aware that this critically important venture is expensive. Support for our schools comprises a significant portion of what we contribute to the governance of our state and local governments. I am pleased to be able to contribute a share of my income to the betterment of my community and to protect our freedom into the future. I learned quickly after moving here, however, that linking the word “income” too closely with “tax” is the kiss of death for politicians and can guarantee scorn toward anyone who dares juxtapose them. That said, we all have responsibility, and dare I say, we all should be pleased to pay our share of community expenses. I guess most would agree that that share should be a portion of our wealth and in New Hampshire, the only apparently agreed measure of wealth is property.