No representation without taxation

   George Nethercutt was a republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2005.  In his Politico article, “No representation without taxation,” he states, instead of making the rich pay more taxes, everyone needs to pay something, referring to the poor. He says that even the poor have disposable income because many Americans have televisions, cell phones and cable.  But “For the first time in 20 years, the number of homes with television sets in the U.S. has dropped” by 2.2%. 
I am not sure why he thinks that if people forego a television set they will be able to pay “something” in taxes. TVs are very inexpensive these days and they may last for three to five years. Besides, people, even the poor, need to stay informed about what is happening in their government, and TV is a way they can.
    I agree with his statements about too many Americans being dependent on government programs and how they don’t have many options to “break free” from them. This is because when they first ask for help they must fall within a certain criteria to qualify for the program. When they start to pull themselves out with a slightly better job that brings in a few extra dollars, their benefits may be lowered or cancelled.  With their income still not at the level to be able to sustain themselves, they are put back to where they started, hence, unable to “break free.”
    Nonetheless, I believe that everyone with an income does have a responsibility to pay taxes but I believe it should be the same rate across the board.