Taxes levied by the government should not discourage work in
any way and there should be little distortion as tax should be distributed
fairly. Since the 1986 tax reform, there have been more than 1,500 changes to
the tax code (Mankiw, 2009). It has been generally agreed that equity and
efficiency are the two most important goals that drive the tax system. In the
past, the major revenue for construction of highways and bridges came from
gasoline taxes but because of inflation and enhanced fuel efficiency, there has
been a drop in the effectiveness of the gas tax (Vincent, 2007). Such problems
have led to states to finding unconventional funding for highway construction.
In the states of California and Virginia, city planners
and government officials foresee public-private partnerships as the best way to
finance highway construction. This is done to advance efficiency and equity
since public-private partnership in highway construction rests on two ideals:
(1) that tapping private equity will increase the needed capital in the private
sector and that (2) there is the belief that the private sector is more steadfast
and competent than its public counterpart.
Economists have often referred to alcohol and tobacco taxes
as Pigovian taxes, named after Arthur Pigou (1877-1959), because of the
negative effects the two have on the human health or society at large.
Corrective taxes are usually imposed by the government to discourage society
from consuming alcohol and cigarettes to socially optimum level. Other than
alcohol and cigarettes, corrective taxes may also apply to soda and to other
activities such as vehicle exhaust emissions that are deemed to cause
pollution. Usually, the government will tax activities that have negative
externalities and subsidize activities showing signs of positive externalities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing
activities that cause harm to the environment. Governments impose corrective
taxes on gasoline tax because of the need to reduce congestion, accidents, and
environmental pollution.
Property owners pay property taxes at a given time frame or a
given period every year. They fall under the corrective tax category. Since
vehicle owners operate machinery that causes damage to the highways, imposing corrective
taxes to repair or construct highways will be to their advantage. Education,
social welfare, and highways received the biggest share of spending by local
governments for the year 2005 (Mankiw, 2009). A tax benefit is like installing
an energy efficient system in your home which in turn reduces energy
consumption for a limited period. A tax benefit could be distortionary and have
unintended consequences. An example of a distortionary tax is biodiesel which
costs more to produce than the regular petroleum diesel. Modifications could be
made to tax collection system and amount if they deemed beneficial to society.
Vincent, K. (2007). Public private partnerships
in highway infrastructure. Conference Papers-Western Political Science
Association. Retrieved fromhttp://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=3778a080-1f0b-4ced-94b0-73c1197a72ee%40sessionmgr115&vid=2&hid=102
The survival of a government depends on the
amount of taxes it collects from businesses and individuals that it protects or
calls citizens. Raising taxes affects everyone as it reduces the amount of money
one can own or have in possession. Raising taxes is common in any government as
there is always the need to make changes to the monetary circulation a
government can have. Governments raise taxes to stay on track and ensure the
economy is in good shape. No government would like to be embroiled in simmering
bankruptcy.
Raising taxes gives criminals leverage over
control of commodities because contraband becomes commonplace as criminals move
large quantities of hoarded commodities across territories to make hefty
profits. Raising taxes does not replenish the public purse in anyway; instead
it pushes economic activity away from the general market thus allowing buying
and selling activities to become surreptitious. Consequently, commodities will
end up underground in an environment that is far from the reach of legal
authorities. According to Hyman (2011), the mention of tax in the U.S. brings a
reflection of April 15 when federal and state income taxes become due. Taxation
was so unpopular in the 19th century United States such that it was
impossible to administer (Hyman, 2011).
Raising taxes strangles consumer expenditure.
People spend when they have money to spend. Taxing people means they have less
money to spend. Raising taxes leads to reduced Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and
also causes the economy to contract. On the other hand, reducing taxes allows
the economy to grow. Tax increases can have negative consequences on
employment. Taxing businesses and individuals can lead to budget cuts and
layoffs. Reducing taxes allows employees to create more jobs.
A tax hike is bad for investment because
businesses will be forced to pull out of markets. Those investing in stock
markets will be compelled to cease competition because of the rising taxation
that diminishes their investment power. Raising taxes is the gateway to
increased crime and poverty. When the government raises taxes on the people,
homelessness, evictions and foreclosures become commonplace and income
diminishes and wages plummet. Reducing expenditures has its consequences.
Governments, mainly those engaged in military confrontations, have been found
to increase expenditure to counter rebellion (Collier, 2006).
Designing
a Balanced Budget Amendment without Cutting Back Expenditures or Raising Taxes
in an Economic Downturn
Balancing the budget has become a common
phenomenon in the United
States. Politicians often struggle to come
up with measures that they think valuable in terms of avoiding economic
downturns. When revenues equal expenditures and neither any sort of deficit nor
surplus exist, economists see a balance in the budget. Using Keynesian
economics, mainstream economics usually prefer a cyclical balanced budget which
is balancing the budget cyclically or over the economic cycle and not necessarily
budgeting year-to-year.
There are two clashing sides on budget issues:
those who believe the government should raise taxes and those who believe the
government should spend less. Balancing the budget is important for a
government that wants to avoid overspending as it also places a check on
official representatives who are fond of free spending. Without a balanced
budget, politicians and agencies will be tempted to hide money belonging to the
government. Money held secretly may be dispensed later for personal selfish
gains by the same politicians and agencies. Balancing the budget helps the
government to account for every penny and overcome rampant fraud and waste. Currently,
the U.S.
government is working on measures to reduce discretionary spending to jumpstart
job creation and find skills for American workers.
References
Collier, P. (2006). War and military expenditure in developing countries
and their consequences for development. The Economics of Peace and Security
Journal, 1(1), 10-14.
Hyman, D.N (2011). Public finance: A contemporary application
of theory to policy (10th ed.). South-Western, Cengage Learning.
Getting rid of of local
and state sales taxes and substituting them with uniform sales taxes such that it
would become the prerogative of the federal government do the collection and subsequently
give back to state governments in piecemeal would gradually set a wrong
precedent and usher in centralization which is alien to democratic governance. The
constitution of the United
States has been crafted in such a way that
states enjoy independence and freedom that allow them to run their affairs
without federal government involvement and meddling.
According to Bowen,
Haynes, and Rosentraub (2006), states spend tax dollars with the view of
developing their economies in the fields of education, social and safety
programs, and healthcare. Giving the federal government what would have been
the prerogative of state governments would undermine infrastructural
development and lower the living standards of citizens in all states. When states
collect local and sales taxes, there is that sense of ease and competition and
the tendency to prosper to a desired level.
Devolution of power,
a significant model of governance that spreads power such that states enjoy the
right to administer state public policies, is a vital tool for increasing state
and local government responsibilities especially the formulation of local laws,
and the delivery of goods and services without federal government involvement
(Bae, 2008). State and local governments are more capable than the federal
government in the delivery of goods and services to the local population. The
closeness of state and local government to the people in need of goods and
services and the efficiency of service delivery is one factor that cannot be
ignored. States have a better role to play in local and state matters than the
federal government.
Retail taxes are
usually generated from individual purchases from sales transactions. A sales tax is a tax levied on a buyer when a product is
purchased for its usefulness (Hyman, 2011). Retail taxes emerge during transactions. In
essence, in the cause of transaction, the buyer acts as a government
intermediary.
It would be futile to
carry out representative and encompassing service stipulation to society from
sales tax managed by a federal government. The impact from transferring such a
tax to a central administration would be catastrophic for the national economy
as their would be a lot of mismanagement, inconsistencies, and incongruities resulting
from the transfer of sales tax management to a generally powerful jurisdiction
such as the federal government in Washington, DC. The notion of democracy is
based on the devolution of power and also separation of powers. This system
allows local jurisdictions to craft streamlined systems that make their
operations attainable in a manner that brings in satisfaction in the effective
delivery of goods and services to the population inhabiting in that
jurisdiction.
Transferring local
and sales taxes to a central authority would undermine state development and
lower human progress especially the social and economic sectors that will be
severely impacted by mismanagement ultimately spearheading drastic decline in
the effective delivery of goods and services. The notion of freedom that is
enshrined in the constitution will also be undermined and the general national administration
will be akin to authoritarianism as the state and local governments will be
deprived of the rights and privileges enjoyed previously. There will be
mismanagement of taxes as some states would receive better preferential treatment
than others.
The men and women on
the helm in the central headquarters will be driven by favoritisms and
affection for states inclined to their political ideals and philosophical
thoughts. There is no question that humans have inherent sense of irrationality
and preferences for people of like mind and ideas. Any preferential treatment
of a state over another state would result in massive migration of people
seeking better opportunities and avoiding burdening taxation in their original
areas of settlement. Taxation is a government monetary imposition that cause
reduction to citizen finances and that is why many abhor it altogether.
However, despite citizenry abhorrence of taxation, what is worth comprehending
is the significance taxation has on human progress especially when
jurisdictions resourcefully and effectively deliver goods and services as
demanded without any lapse whatsoever. There are nations on this planet that
are free of taxation. However, people pay more for services such as plethora of
commodities, groceries, insurance premiums, diesel and gas, electrical and
heating utilities, water and garbage collection, school tuition, and other
amenities to supplement the missing taxation.
It would be improper
to tax people and redistribute from a government-managed central jurisdiction.
This would place a strain on the progress of local and state jurisdictions. In
a nutshell, local and state jurisdictions would be unable to make
recommendations to the central authority and as well be unable to design a
formality that would usher in progress and prosperity to their areas of
jurisdictions. On the other hand, the central government would have a hard time
making universally encompassing deliberations on tax dispositions in such an
expansive nation like the United
States.
Centralization of
taxation has failed in many authoritarian and dictatorial regimes where hunger
and starvation, abject poverty and underdevelopment are the norm. The decline
of national infrastructure in undemocratic countries results from poor
management of national revenues and other sources of finances. Gross injustices
and political decline visible in undemocratic countries emanate from mishandling
of the overall governing structures that is based on individual philosophical
thoughts as opposed to uniform social deliberations and freedom of choice.
Thus, centralization of taxation is inconsistent with modern governance.
Taxation handled by a
single governing entity would accelerate a decline in people’s purchasing
power. However, since not all jurisdictions share equal resources, the federal
government would be tempted to impose hefty taxation on states and local
jurisdictions that it finds having significant resources. Likewise, the federal
government would put more emphasis on the development of the region having
potential for resource production such as in the fields of petroleum, forestry,
fisheries, industries, education, medicine and pharmaceutical products, and
mineral extraction.
In 2009, the total revenue raised by state governments from sales tax was
30% (Hyman, 2011). Some states depend more on revenues generated from retail sales than
others such as Washington
which accounted for 63% of total tax collections in the year 2009. Sales and
retail taxes are regressive in nature and they are higher for low-income
tax-payers. E-commerce, a modern way of conducting business over the internet
is gaining ground as consumers become more adept at using this innovative
technology. In e-commerce, transactions are usually done between businesses to
business where taxation is nonexistent. One problem with the state sales tax is
that government and nonprofit organizations are exempted from taxation during
transactions. The aging of society may also impact sales tax revenue in the
near future.
According to Hyman
(2011), retail sales taxes are the prerogative of local and state government
and never administered by the federal government. This is already an answer to
the question that drives this essay. It was first enacted in New York in the 1930s because there was
desire for stable revenue source. In most local and state governments, the
administrative costs of running a government are made possible by retail sales
taxes. It would be extremely difficult for any local and state government to
administer a jurisdiction without collecting state and local taxes. Thus,
transferring these taxes to a central government for redistribution would undermine
the effective administration of local and state governments.
References
Bae, S. (2008). Revenue, growth, structure and
burden across state and local revenue sources: The impact of state budgetary
rules. Conference Papers-Midwestern Political Science
Association. Department of Public Administration: San FranciscoStateUniversity.
Bowen, W.M., Haynes, M.E.,
& Rosentraub, M.S. (2006). Cities, tax revenues, and a state’s fiscal
future: The value of major urban centers. Public
Budgeting and Finance, 26 (1), 47-65.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-5850.2006.00838.x.
The U.S. is moving deeper and deeper into
debt and there is little sign that it is getting out of this problem. According
to Hyman (2011, debt can have impact on future generations who have to shoulder
the responsibility of repaying that debt. The burden of debt causes reduction
of income on future generations because they will have to live with compulsory
tax for a long time to come. While foreign borrowing can stimulate the economy
for a certain period of time, what is hard to tackle or avoid are the long term
implications debt may have on the economy and on society as a whole. A case in
point is when, in 1982, the nation of Mexico declared that it was no
longer in a position to service its foreign debts (Were, 2001). Despite being
an oil producer, Mexico
was left to live with the long term implications of foreign debt.
Debt inundates the market with
surplus goods and services, competition becomes cutthroat, and consumers will
have less to spend. Environmental protection becomes less of a priority with explosive
debt, jobs diminish, and there will be an increased movement of corporations to
poor overseas countries. Debt forces producers to borrow more money
consequently accelerating price hikes and interest rates. Debt held by foreign
interests can have long term implications for the U.S. Because Americans don’t save
much, the government will be compelled to keep on borrowing from foreign
entities such as China.
Americans have more concern for U.S.
borrowing from China than
the political situation and confrontation with Iran (Zhang, 2012).
With increase of debt we will see
flooding of cheaper goods lacking value, merger of corporations leading to
bigger and bigger conglomerations, and retailers embarking on the importation
of goods produced in countries where wages are extremely low. Foreign debt
leads to furious competition in international trade. Instead of exporting goods
and services, debt forces nations to import which is a sign of weakening
economy. Consequently, nations with bigger deficits run to the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) for bail out an example being Third
World countries notably in Africa Asia who are dependent on the
IMF when there economies get worse.
References
Hyman,
D.N. (2011). Public finance: A
contemporary application of theory to policy (10th). South-Western, Cengage
Learning.
Were,
M. (2001). Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and
Analysis. Retrieved from http://www.debtweek.org/content/the-impact-of-external-debt-on-economic-growth-and-private-investment-in-kenya/index.html
Zhang, M. (2012). Are foreign holdings of U.S. national
debt a threat to our economy? Retrieved fromhttp://www.ibtimes.com/are-foreign-holdings-us-national-debt-threat-our-economy-721691
The opposite of a centralized government, a decentralized
government is a government whose power is spread out and is not restricted to a
central place. Decentralization is synonymous with devolution, transference,
delegation, and transfer. Decentralization is prominent in curtailing the
powers of government and enhancing the powers of individual representatives. A
decentralized government is closer to the people than a centralized government
that is far from people’s reach. A decentralized government can be held
accountable for its misdeeds; its successes and failures can be documented and
if possible challenged by the citizens it serves. One very important aspect of
a decentralized government is that it gives the ordinary citizen the right to
vote on the right kind of public service that is open for consumption by the
public. In a centralized government such freedom is not available to the
citizen.
Decentralization of power allows the locals to question when
something is wrong with the government. Lower levels of government become
easily manageable with decentralization. Decentralization gives the local
government the power and will to provide public goods and services that serve
the common good. With a federal system, there are checks and balances, and chain
of command. Because citizens have no access to the upper levels of government,
through decentralized power, arrangements can be made for the lower government to
have consultations with the upper echelons of the state. In a decentralized
government, the lower level of government is allowed to make arrangements for
training new officials. Voting is a vital and significant tool in a federal
system.
Problems emanating from maladministration by a decentralized
government can be averted when states object to the use of wrong policy
implementations. When one state fails to implement a policy, other states may
opt not to use that same policy for fear of also failing. Decentralization and
federalism go hand in hand in rigid democracies. A strong and vibrant local
government is possible when there is a real democracy. In federalism and
decentralism, power sharing is vertical with multi-layered governments enjoying
autonomous rule that is free from the central government in some aspects.
According to Hyman (2011), politicians seeking office are
usually driven by the urge for power, personal financial returns after vacating
office, the desire to serve the public, and prestige coming as a result of
holding a high office. The redistribution of income becomes the prerogative of
the various sectors that make up the decentralized government. The federal,
state, and local governments each have their roles to play in a decentralized
system. When the federal government oversees the national security, the role of
the state is to provide good roads and reliable bridges, while the local
government provides fire and police protection. Leaving the provision of goods
and services to the federal government would make life unbearable for the
ordinary citizen as many goods and services would be distributed inequitably
and inefficiently.
References
Hyman, DN. (2011). Public finance: A contemporary application of theory to policy (10th
ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western, Cengage Learning.
Changes in technology and advancement in
social services have tremendously impacted the delivery of public and private
goods, negatively or positively, depending on geographic location. Some part of
society may be attracted to technological innovation more than others.
Technology has been friendlier to the youth and to the educated elite because
of their lifestyles and love of modern tools and technology. Advances in
technology have allowed humanity to enjoy the luxuries that come with public
and private goods.
Technology is better placed in advanced
democracies than in sluggish autocratic or authoritarian regimes where economic
strangulation, economic retardation, political obscurantism, underdevelopment,
human rights violations, and control of general societal development prevail.
Nations that have advanced in the use of technological tools include those in
North America, Western Europe, and in Australasia.
Economic factors and freedom contribute to technological distribution and use.
Benefits from public goods can be shared
unlike private goods that are consumed by individuals who purchase the private
good based on their ability to purchase. A public good is like the national
defense where its consumption is shared by all as every citizen has to be
defended by the arsenals of weapons in use in case of aggression. Streetlights
are another example of public goods. Others include clean air and light houses
that equally benefit the general public without one person enjoying the
significance of that public good more than the other person.
To avoid working in hazardous conditions
and overcome the risk of purchasing products of concern, citizens look to their
governments for information. It is a government prerogative to oversee economic
stabilization and engage in monetary and fiscal policy implementations to deter
unemployment and economic downfall.
Efficiency leads to confidence and an
increase in purchasing power. Efficient distribution of products and resources
elevates consumer confidence. A change in welfare distribution is trade-off
that leads to improvement in efficiency. Efficiency is best attained in a
perfectly competitive market system as everyone’s monetary income depends on
the amount of production in resources owned and returns obtained. However,
income distribution is dependent on individual willingness and ability to pay
(Hyman, 2011).
Public goods may be categorized as
non-rival or rival. Public goods are non-rival in consumption because they can
be consumed by many in a given locality. An example of non-rival good is
television and radio transmissions. Because of the non-exclusion
characteristic, pure public goods are non-rival. Private goods are considered
rival in consumption because of the competition among consumers.
The value and worth of public and private
goods delivery and transfer of business transactions is best determined when
there is efficiency and social equity. Life becomes up to standard and
comfortable in nature when there is a streamlined delivery of public and
private goods and equitable distribution of social services. Humans tend to
decline services that are not worth and out-of-date. Citizens prefer to pay for
public goods in accordance with the benefits they get from that public service
(Mikesell, 2011). The same applies to private services or public goods.
Changes in income alter human consumption
of goods. The introduction of the welfare system such as the food stamps
program allows many to become free riders. Free rider is at times seen as having
the same characteristics as the Tragedy of Commons. The fact that free riders
do not contribute to the food stamps and other supplemental nutrition programs,
advocates opposed to spending feel it causes financial strain on the laboring,
tax paying citizen.
According to Hyman (2011), there is no
unanimously agreed upon and appropriate manner when it comes to distributing
goods and services to consumers. Pure private goods cannot be supplied by the
government and financing cannot be made through taxation.
Technology has tremendously altered the
way humans consume goods and services. In recent times, technology has played a
vital role in the delivery of healthcare and healthcare services. People are
getting advanced medical attention and better treatment options. States,
counties, and smaller jurisdictions have seen the proliferation of hospitals
regardless of whether they are public or private. Technology has simplified how
hospitals operate and patients’ waiting periods have been slashed to almost a half.
Nowadays, patients can be operated on by specially trained doctors and nurses
using advanced equipments and modern tools.
Many from the outside world, including
Kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers, CEOs, and ordinary wealthy
individuals come to the US to seek medical attention in hospitals such as John
Hopkins Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and other reputedly advanced medical
institutions treating such diseases as cancer and brain injuries and other
serious diseases that cannot be treated anywhere else except the US. Majority
of these hospitals, because of advancement in technology and resource
distribution, are either publicly or privately owned.
In modern times, businesses have prospered
significantly as a result of internet communication. Business transactions have
become more widespread with the proliferation of internet technology. The United States
leads the world when it comes to conducting business on the internet. Business
is more robust and diversified especially during the holidays. Millions of
Americans buy gifts over the internet and then send to friends and relatives
without even seeing the product being shipped. Shipping companies and the post
office have been experiencing increased traffic due to demand and supply.
Thus, this novel business transaction has
emerged as the most valuable tool in the dissemination of products and
information. Business over the internet is being conducted efficiently and
equitably. Transfer of products and services have been increasing over time.
Big ground transportation companies have taken the lead transferring tons of
materials, gadgets, and other equipments ordered over the internet. The airline
industry also plays a major role shipping public and private goods far and wide.
The marine industry, though slower than road transportation and air travel, has
also increased its business acumen. The tonnage of materials being shipped
overseas has been increasing yearly as result of the production of advanced
freighters that travel great distances.
Big corporations have transformed the way
they do business. At times, it is not necessary to ship heavy or light
equipments, books, toys, or other necessities abroad. Since many corporations
have now branches in many parts of the world, delivery can be done by an
overseas company that has the ordered product in its stores. Someone living in New York can order a
laptop for a friend or a relative living in a slum in a developing country.
Delivery of the item will be performed by a branch store located in the country
of destination.
Income plays a great role in modern
economics. Many destitute people get public goods provided by their governments
while the affluent and wealthy rely heavily on private goods according to their
financial capabilities. Welfare economics has undergone tremendous changes and
these changes have been made possible by human advancement in the science of
economics. The world has become a global village and no wonder the consumption
or production of goods has been advancing with each passing day. As the world
continues to change and goods and service increase, the manner of conducting
transactions will also change for the better unless otherwise unnecessary
restrictions emerge.
References
Hyman, D.N.
(2011). Public finance: A contemporary
application of theory to policy (10th ed.). Mason, OH:
South-Western, Cengage Learning.
Mikesell, J.L.
(2011). Fiscal administration: Analysis
and applications for the public sector (8th ed.). Boston, MA:
Wadswoth, Cengage Learning.
When society deliberates on
issues pertaining to their needs, they follow established rules and political guidelines
that make their actions legally acceptable. For the sake of bringing in changes
that benefit everyone involved, citizens make public choices to advance their
political agendas. People make their voices heard by contacting their
representatives through the use of postal mail, social media, e-mail, and
voting in select locations among other things. Bringing changes to the living
conditions of constituents is one of the most burning issues that face elected
representatives. In turn, elected representatives find means to ensuring their
constituents remain satisfied by deliberating on significant issues that need
to be addressed in political forums. This system of interaction is only
possible in democratic systems.
Societies living under
authoritarian or dictatorial regimes often suffer exclusion, marginalization,
stratification, censorship, oppression, and coercion. In non-democratic
systems, it is the government that makes decisions concerning the production of
goods and services without consulting the mass. This system of administration
contravenes human needs and expectations and society’s inalienable rights to
freedom and opportunities. Import of goods and services becomes the prerogative
of select individuals who have been shoved into office without public scrutiny
and open electoral selection. The public benefits little from the export of
goods and services in draconian governing institutions.
According to Hyman (2011),
political processes are rules contained in a nation’s constitution. It is up to
the citizen to cast vote or take part in an election and vote for the
representative who will carry the issue of political contention forward for
approval. The theory of public choice evolved
as a means to ensuring people’s choices influences the democratic political
process. In essence, it is a theory that has been formulated in such a manner
that it studies how goods and services are supplied by governments through the
observance of efficiency and equity. In a modern democracy, each individual
citizen is allowed one vote to influence election processes.
Political equilibrium
Equilibrium is a situational
change especially in markets when demand and supply are in par or are equal
while equilibrium price is when there is a balance between quantity supplied
and quantity demanded. Politics defines how a nation’s economy functions and it
is the working relationships between the voter and the representative that help
shape the effective delivery of a nation’s goods and services. Taxation is the
major tool that advances the operation of the police and national defense.
These two institutions are significant in the preservation of law and order and
without them it is difficult to keep the law. While the police are responsible
for internal security and fighting crime including corruption and other public
malpractices, the national defense defends the nation from outside aggression.
Nations that have weak police force and disorderly armies tend to collapse as a
result of security lapse.
Interest groups have been gaining
ground in modern times with the world seeing the proliferation of these groups
in all aspects of society. Interest groups usually lobby for causes that serve
their interests. When a government experiences the rise of an interest group,
such that an administrative takeover evolves, society has to shoulder the
maximum cost as distribution will be in favor of the most powerful. The
negative administrators imposed by bureaucrats at times bring in deadweight
loss and losses in political transaction costs.
Taxes are compulsory deductions paid by citizens
of a nation. Part of these taxes is what makes the existence of a police force
and national defense possible. While ordinary citizens may abhor government
action on their income, the benefits they get in return for protection is worth
taking.
References
Hyman, D.D.
(2011). Public finance: A contemporary
application of theory to policy (10th ed.).
Mason, OH: South-Western, Cengage Learning.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
WAREYSI: MADAXA JAAMACADDA KISMAAYO
WardheerNews
Odhaahda Tifaftirk:Tan iyo intii ka dambeysay burburkii dawladdii dhexe ee Soomaaliya, waxaa isa soo tarayay kobaca waxbarashada sare ee Soomaaliya, waxaana waddanka laga hirgeliyay jaamacaddo tiro badan. Kuwaas oo ku kala baahsan gobollada dalka oo dhan. Jaamacaddahaas tirada badani, run ahaantii dhibatooyin iyo durrufo kaleba ha iska jiraane haddana waxay dabooleen illaa xad baahiyihii dhanka tacliinta sare ee ka jiray dalka inkastoo ay ku jiraan kuw badan oo aan u qalmin magaca Jaamacad.
Jaamacaddaha dalka ka jira waxaa ka mid ah Jaamacadda Kismaayo (JK) oo iyada sanadihii labada kun badhtamahoodii laga hirgeliyay magaala madaxda gobolka Jubbada Hoose ee Kismaayo. Si aan haddaba wax uga ogaano marxaladihii kala duwanaa ee ay soo martay Jaamacadda Kismaayo iyo guud ahaanba heerka waxbrasho ee jaamacadda, waxaanu wareysi la yeelanay madaxa Jaamacadda Kismaanyo Dr Maxamed Weli. Wareysiga waxaa qaadday Adan Makina oo ka tirsan bahda WardheerNews.
Dr. Maxamed Wali: Waxaa la billaabay 1-9-2005, waxayna ahayd waqti ay bulshada ku nool Jubbooyinka ay aad ugu baahnaayeen waxbarashada sare, waxaana xusid mudan in ay jaamacadda Kismaayo ay tahay Jaamacaddii ugu horraysay oo laga hirgaliyo magaalada Kismaayo abidkeed taariikhda Soomaaliya.
Waxaa iska lahaa fikirka lagu aasaasay Jaamacadda Kismaayo Hay’adda Tawfiq Welfare Society iyo khubaro ku xeel dheer waxbarashada sare oo iskaashaday, waxayna sameeyeen cilmi baaris la xiriirta aqoonta sare iyo baahida ay bulshadu u qabto, ujeeddaduna, waxaa kale oo ay jawaab u ahayd in Jamciyadda Tawfiiq ka jawaabto baahida la xiriirta ardayda ka qalin jabisay dugsiga Jubba oo ay gacanta ku haysay maamulkiisa iyo waliba arday kale oo ka qalin jabisay labada dugsi oo kale oo markaa ka jiray magaalada Kismayo, si loo helo shabakad waxbarasho oo heerar kala duwan ah, iskuna xiran. Jamciyadda Tawfiiq waxay ku guulaysatay in ay dhisto nidaam waxbarasho oo ka bilowda heer hoose ilaa heer sarena gaarsiisan.
WDN: Yaa baxshey ama yaa iska kaashaday dhaqaalaha lagu dhisay jaamacadda?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: Jaamacadda Kismaayo waxay leedahay xarrun balaadhan oo dhacda waqooyiga magaalada Kismayo oo ka kooban qaybaha kala duwan ee ay jaamacaduhu u baahan yihiin, waxaana ka qaybqaatay dhisidda xarruntan Bangiga Horumarka Islaamka ee kuyaala Jidda, Sacuudi Carabiya iyo hay’ado kale oo kasoo jeedda waddamada Carabta, iyo ganacsato Soomaaliyeed oo ka soo jeedda goballada Jubbooyinka. Dhinaca hawl galinta jaamacadda waxaan ku wadnaa lagacta (fee) aan ka qaadno ardayda dhigata jaamacadda Kismayo iyo maalgelinta hay’adda Towfiiq.
WDN: Wax ma nooga sheegi kartaa dhismayaasha ay jaamacaddu ka koobantahay?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: Jaamacaddu waxay leedahay saddex xarrumood. Tan ugu wayn waxay ku taallaa Waqooyiga magaalada Kismaayo,,waxayna ka ka kooban tahay 5 dhismo sida qolalka waxbarshada, Maamulka, Maktabadda, Masaajidka iyo Kaafteeriyada. Labada xarrumood ee kale waxay dhacaan maagalada gudaheeda. Mid waa isbitaalka Jaamacadda Kismaayo wuxuuna raacsanyahay Kuliyadda caafimaadka, xarrunta kalena waxaa wax ku barta ardayda kuliyadaha kale.
WDN: Ma jirtaa wax kaalmo ah oo aad ka heshaan dawladda Soomaaliya, gaar ahaan Wasaaradda Waxbarashada?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: wax kaalmo ah oo naga soo gaartay Dawlada soomaaliya ee fadaraalka ah ma jirto ilaa iyo hadda , laakiin jaamacaddu waxay aqoonsi buuxa ka haysataa Wasaaradda Tacliinta Sare ee Fadaraalka.
Waxaa iyana xusid mudan in xarrunta wayn ee jaamacadda ay maamulka Jubbaland iyo ciiddamada AMISOM xoog ku qabsadeen bishii Oktober 2012, markay magaalada soo galeen, kuna qabsadeen shirkii maamulka Jubba lagu dhisay, markuu shirkii dhammaadayna ay ka dhigteen xarrun ciiddan oo malayshiyaad lagu tababaro ,run ahaana in badan baan arrintaa kala hadalnay maamulka ilaa haddana waxba kama qabsoomin, waxaanan leenahay saasi ma aha sidii loogu abaal gudi lahaa Jaamacada Kismaayo oo u taagan adeegga bulshada una soo dhabar adaygtay dhibaatooyn badan .
WDN: Ma jiraan Jaamacado kale oo aad xiriir la leedihiin?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: Haa waxaa jira jaamacaddo aan xiriir iskaashiyadeed aan la leenahay gudaha Soomaaliya iyo dibaddiisaba, sida Jaamacadda Banaadir “ Muqdisho “, Jaamacadda Bariga Afrika “ Boosaaso”, Jaamacadda Nugaal “ Laascaanood’. Waxaa ka mid ah jaamacadaha dibadda ee aan iyana xiriirka la leenahay Jaamacadaha Kenya,Uganda, Suudaan, Sacuudiga, Masar iyo Maleesiya.
WDN: Bal wax nooga sheeg manaahijka jaamacaddu ay ku shaqeyso?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: Jaamacadda manhajka ay dhigto waa mid waafaqsan manaahijta jaamacadaha caalamka, waana nidaamka 4 sano, sanadkasta wuxuu ka kooban yahay 2 xilli (semester), saacaduhuna waxay ku xirantahay kuliyadaha jaamacadda ka jira, laakiin waa mid waaafqasan qaababka ugu wanaagsan ee laga aqoonsan yahay caalamka.
WDN: Imisaa ardey ayaa hadda dhigta jaamacadda?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: hadda waxaa dhigta 550 arday, waxaana xusid mudan in gobollada Jubbooyinka ay ka jireen dagaallo joogta ah laga soo bilaabo 1991, waxaana ka dhashay barakac baahsan, dadka deegankuna waxay u hayaameen xeryaha qaxootiga ee dhadhaab (Kenya), sidaa darteed waxaa jirta in ardada tiradoodu ay ku xiran tahay kolba sida daganaansho loo helo.
WDN: Imisa macalimiin ayaa wax ka dhiga jaammacadda?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: Jaamacadda macallimiinta wax ka dhigta waxay dhantahay ilaa 31 Macalin oo isugu jira kuwa haysta PHD iyo Master Decree, waana macallimiin khibrad aqooneed u leh waxbarshada sare iyo cilmibaarista la xiriirta.
WDN: Macallimiinta dhammaan ma wada Soomaali baa misa waxaa ku jiraa qaar ajaanib ah?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: dhammaantood waa macallimiin Soomaali ah, laakiin qaarkood waxay haystaan Baasaboorro waddamo kale sida Kenya iyo UK.
WDN: Macallimiintiina immisa ayaa haaysta shahaadada Master’s ama PhD?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: Waxaa shahaadada PHD haysta 9 macalin inta kalana waxay haystaan Shahaadada Master, waxaa kale oo jira macallimin khibrad leh oo sanado badan ka soo shaqaynayay waxbarashada
WDN: Weli wax arday ah oo ka qalinjebiyay jaamacadda ma jiraan?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: Haa waxaa jaamacadda Kismaayo ka qalin jabiyay 5 lood oo isku xigta taas oo ka bilaabanaysa 2010 ilaa sanadkan 2014 oo lodkii 5 naad qalin jabiyay bishii Juun 26-2014.
WDN: Maxaa idiin qorshaysan in aad ku tallaabsataan sanadaha soo socda?
Dr. Maxamed Wali: Waxaan rabnaa in aan ku biirinno jaamacadda kuliyado cusub anaga oo tixgalinayna istaraatiijiyada u dagan jaamacada iyo baahida ka jirta gobalka, sida Kuliyadda beeraha, Kuliyadda cilmiga badda, kulliyadda Xannaanada xoolaha, kuliyadda cilmiga computers-ka iyo kuliyadda injineeriyada
WDN: Ugu dambeyntii maxaa farriin ah oo aad halkan ka gaadhsiin lahayd shacabweynaha Soomaaliyeed ee kunool dalka iyo debedda?
Dr. Maxamed wali: waxaan u diraynaa in ay waxbarashadu tahay furaha horumarka shacabka Soomaaliya, mustaqbalka waddankana wuxuu ku xiran yahay badbaadinta iyo waxbaridda ubadka soo koraya. Midda kale haddaan nahay bahda Jaamacadda Kismaayo waxaan geed dheer iyo mid gaaban u kornay in waxbarashada sare aan ka hirgalino goballada Jubbooyinka oo dayacnaa laga soo bilaabo 1960kii. Waxaa sharaf iyo qiimo noo ah in goballada Jubbooyinka albaab cusub in aan u furno, taariikh cusub in aan u bilowno, waxaan halkan mahad balaadhan uga soo jeedinaynaa cidkasta oo ka qayb qaadatay taageerida jaamacadda Kismaayo, inta aan ka qaybqaadanina ay hadda hiil hooba lagarab istaagaan jaamacadda.
Dr. Maxamed Wali: waad ku mahadsantihiin fursaddan qaaliga ah eed isiiseen si aad u baahisaan horumarka baaxadda wayn ee la xiriira waxbarshada sare ee ka curatay gobollada Jubbooyinka, taas oo ay hoggaaminayso Jaamacadda Kismayo.
We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on WardheerNews.com. WardheerNews will only consider articles sent exclusively. Please email your article today . Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of WardheerNews.
WardheerNew’s tolerance platform is engaging with diversity of opinion, political ideology and self-expression. Tolerance is a necessary ingredient for creativity and civility.Tolerance fuels tenacity and audacity.
WardheerNews waxay tixgelin gaara siinaysaa maqaaladaha sida gaarka ah loogu soo diro ee aan lagu daabicin goobo kale. Maqaalkani wuxuu ka turjumayaa aragtida Qoraaga loomana fasiran karo tan WardheerNews.
INTERVIEW WITH DR. ALI SAID FAQI: SOMALI AMBASSADOR TO THE BENELUX AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Editor’s Note:Besides the array of news and analysis covered on a daily basis by WardheerNews, getting to know the views and ideas of Somali diplomats, distinguished figures, erudite scholars and academicians, political doyens, and individuals and organizations having the desire to make effective changes to the beleaguered, impoverished, and war-ravaged Horn of Africa nation of Somalia has been WardheerNews’ burning desire for close to a decade. The following is an exclusive interview conducted by our own Adan Makina covering wide-ranging and fascinating topics with Ambassador Dr. Ali Said Faqi, Somalia’s Ambassador to the Benelux and the European Union.
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WardheerNews (WDN): Ambassador Ali Said Faqi, Somalia’s new Ambassador to the EU and Belgium, first welcome to WardheerNews. You hold one of the biggest ambassadorial responsibilities for the Somali nation. Did your appointment to these two positions come to you as a surprise?
Amb. Ali Faqi, Somalia’s ambassador to Belgium and EU
Amb. Ali Said Faqi: Yes, indeed it was a complete surprise, unexpected and out of nowhere. However, I should admit that I had interest to join politics one day in my life time, but I have never dreamed of becoming a diplomat; it was something that never crossed my mind. Having said that, I am honored to be the Ambassador of Somalia to the Benelux and the European Union.
WDN: Could you share with us your background?
Amb. Ali: I have a PhD in Toxicology and my research interest is on preclinical drug development with specialty on reproduction and birth defects. Here are some of my highlights:
I am a Senior Director at a private research institute. I also hold an adjunct associate professor at Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
I am a Diplomate of American Board of Toxicology (DABT) and a Fellow of the Academy Toxicological Sciences (ATS). Currently I am an Associate Editor of Reproductive Toxicology Journal and a member of Editorial Board of Open Access Journal of Science and Technology and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI). Moreover, I served on the Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) Computational Toxicology at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) from September 2009 to September 2010.
I am an ad hoc scientific reviewer for several scientific journals including Regulatory Pharmacology and Toxicology, Toxicology Journal, System Biology in Reproductive Medicine, Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, PLoS ONE and Birth Defects Research Part B: Developmental & Reproductive Toxicology, and Drug and Chemical Toxicology. Other positions held include a past president of Michigan Society of Toxicology and a past president of Toxicologists of African origin.
I have published over 100 scientific papers and reports. I am an editor of a text book “A Comprehensive Guide to Toxicology in Preclinical Drug Development”, a book published by Elsevier in December 2012 and an author/co-author of 10 book chapters.
WDN: What led you to be involved in politics since you have a science academic background?
Amb Ali: Let us not forget that since early 2000 shortly after I came to the USA, I was an active member of the Somali Diaspora. I joined Pan-Somali Council for Peace and Democracy(Israaca). Here I met several brilliant Somali intellectuals who still remain as my true fiends. In principle Israaca was a great political organization aimed at defending the noble cause of Somalia. Unfortunately, our deeply rooted mistrust and lack of experience has led to the demise of Israaca. Afterwards it is not a secret that I became a strong advocate of the plight of the people in Benadir, Lower Shebelle and Jubba. It is in my blood that I detest human right abuses. My activism has helped shape my political views and I strongly believe Somali unity is the only way forward. Therefore, politics was something I always had in my heart.
Nevertheless, I am much concerned about the current state of the Somali affairs because it is almost impossible to reverse the trend. Besides political wrestling that has constantly paralyzed our nation, there is completely lack of capacity in all institutions. It is not that we don’t have educated people in these institutions; it is the mentality of the people that is devoid of accountability and work ethics.
WDN: WardheerNews has learned that the Somali diplomatic mission residency located in Brussels was in such a great mess since the main administrative building was in a dilapidated condition. Were you able to reverse the ramshackle state of the said building in Brussels, Belgium?
Amb. Ali: First and foremost please allow me to deeply thank the military regime of Somalia for acquiring these two buildings (the Chancery and the Ambassador’s residence) in Brussels, Belgium. These two properties have not been taken care of for the past 23 years. This has resulted in structural damage of large proportion. We initiated renovating the Chancery with loan money and in a few months the Embassy will have few office spaces and a meeting room. The residence is still occupied by a Belgian family, but I expect them to move out before the end of this month. It looks like, however, the damage of the residence building is so deep that it would require demolishing the entire building and replacing it with a newer one. It is in my priority list to rehabilitate these buildings before my tenure time expires.
WDN: As the Somali ambassador to the EU, what are your main responsibilities? And do you oversee other Somali missions within the EU?
Amb. Ali: My responsibility as an ambassador is to represent the government of Somalia in all meetings at EU, ACP, African Union, Arab league, IGAD, and in one-on-one government settings; involve in diplomacy, oversee all of the other diplomats and local staff, enhance the exposure of Somalia, defend the interest of Somalia, and help Somali citizens in need.
No, I don’t oversee other Somali missions in EU besides the ones that I am accredited to.
WDN: The Somali nation is experiencing turbulent times. How do you see European involvement in resuscitating Somalia politically, socially, and economically?
Amb. Ali: Europe Union is pretty much determined in helping Somalia. It is actively involved in all projects aimed at reviving Somalia, whether it is in the security sector, fighting piracy, justice reform, constitutional revision, building federal states institutions, reconciliation, economic development, food security, etc. The European taxpayers are demanding concrete results; they want to see their money well spent for the wellbeing of the people of Somalia. We need to grasp this opportunity and benefit from it.
Unfortunately, any political, social and economical progress made in Somalia is always deterred by the pandemic political crisis that has afflicted our country for almost a quarter of century. In the history of every nation that went to civil war, it’s the political will of its citizens that revived those nations; Somalia will not be an exception. No matter how much money the world donates to Somalia, nothing can be attained until we strongly stand together and collectively rehabilitate our nation.
WDN: EU and other countries pledged 2.4 B Euro for the reconstruction of Somalia through the agreement of the New Deal on Sept 16, 2013. This fund has been suspended due to allegations of corruption and lack of transparency. What can you tell us about the status of the New Deal Funds?
Amb. Ali: The pledges have not been suspended but delayed due to lack of transparent public financial system in our country. The Somali government has committed itself to working with the World Bank to create a system of banking and financial institutions that have checks and balances. This is expected to be completed soon.
WDN: Many people believed members of the delegation from the Somali Federal government for the New Deal, led by President Hassan, were selected through corruption and nepotism and that many had no experience in government affairs. Since you were among those present at the meeting, what can you tell us about such allegations?
Amb. Ali: I disagree with this allegation. The delegation was composed of the President’s Staff, ministers, parliamentarians, regional leaders and members of the civil society. However, I am not surprised as negative rumors run Somalia and polarize our society and unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to contest it mainly because there is no effective journalism that can take the story and seek the real truth. I like to share a personal experience that I witnessed with the Somali media. During the New Deal summit one of the Somali websites ran a commentary accusing me of being a traitor simply because I happened to be an Ambassador of Somalia at the time while the commentator (he/she) was opposed to the New Deal. Do I take this serious? Absolutely no, but I wish to see any accusations against public figures thoroughly investigated; sadly I don’t expect this to happen anytime soon.
WDN: The current Somali administration is said to be run by incompetent people with AID dependency mentality. Do you believe those who are in position of power are capable of moving Somalia forward?
Amb. Ali: Moving Somalia forward is not an easy mission, although many in the public may pretend so. Leadership is a daunting task particularly for countries like Somalia where anarchy and impunity have dominated the lives of the people for over two decades. There is a deep mistrust in our society which then feeds to a negative perception for any leadership. We need to understand that leaders come and go consequently the public does not need to waste time with individuals in the leadership, but they need to push pressure on the government in building strong institutions. Without strong institutions in place a president or a prime minister will not have any power to fulfill their public and political duties. As a result they will be seen as weak and incompetent. Regrettably, this is the scenario that is currently prevailing in Somalia. I am confident that President Hassan and his PM are good people; let us give them time and space to lead the country.
WDN: Al-Shabab still controls large parts of Southern Somalia such as the coastal town of Brava which serves as their main strategic base and headquarters. Why can’t the government with the support of AMISOM re-take such an important city?
Amb. Ali: Experience has shown that military solution is not always the right remedy because securing peace and delivering public services is not the task of the military. That is why I believe in the liberation plan of the Al-shabab controlled territories the government should include the immediate installation of a strong civil administration with a strong police force that should tackle the vacuum left by the defeat of Al-shabab. The government should also seek public support and funding to aid the transition to peace prior to launching a military campaign.
WDN: How do you perceive Somali political participation, acculturation or assimilation into European culture?
Amb. Ali: Somalia and Europe have different history, social and political culture; however, there is a lot to learn from Europe. The European Union is an economic and political union of 28 European countries. The EU has enhanced the social, cultural, economical and political integration of European countries. Europeans may share borders, but have different languages, cultures and traditions. Somalia with a homogenous population share the same language and religion and yet the acceptance and tolerance among its citizens is not something to be desired. In that regard Somalia can learn a lot from the European integration process.
WDN: Do you have any estimate figure of the number of Somalis in the EU and Belgium in particular?
Amb. Ali: I don’t have an estimate number of Somali migrants in EU, but they may exceed or equal a quarter of a million. In Belgium the estimate is about 2,000 people.
WDN: What were you able to accomplish for the duration you have been Somali ambassador to the EU and Belgium respectively?
Amb. Ali: I don’t know if I can say I have accomplished a lot during my short time in the office, but I have a clear objective which I would like to push hard. As someone who is representing Somalia at this critical period of its history, I have no space for failure. I am committed to changing the Somali image and perception by exhibiting integrity, accountability and strong work ethics.
WDN: How is your relationship with the Somali Diaspora in the EU?
Amb. Ali: I am towards building a good relationship with the Somali Diaspora in Belgium and the Netherlands. I have an open policy and my door is open to all, and I have nothing to hide. I like my fellow countrymen and women to conduct themselves kindly and be law abiding citizens in the countries they reside as they need to understand the consequences bad behavior will have for the image of Somalia.
WDN: Thanks for taking the time to share your views and ideas.
We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on WardheerNews.com. WardheerNews will only consider articles sent exclusively. Please email your article today . Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of WardheerNews.
WardheerNew’s tolerance platform is engaging with diversity of opinion, political ideology and self-expression. Tolerance is a necessary ingredient for creativity and civility.Tolerance fuels tenacity and audacity.
WardheerNews waxay tixgelin gaara siinaysaa maqaaladaha sida gaarka ah loogu soo diro ee aan lagu daabicin goobo kale. Maqaalkani wuxuu ka turjumayaa aragtida Qoraaga loomana fasiran karo tan WardheerNews.
