I have come to realize just how important taxpayer-funded social programs have been for me and my family
By Katharine Cukier | Published August 10, 2014 by The Montreal Gazette
Dear Canadian Taxpayer:
I know this may seem rather sudden, and I barely know you, but I have a burning desire to tell you that I love you.
As I consider my half-century of life, I realize that it is you, dear taxpayer, who has made much of that life possible.
And yes, at this very Wordsworthian-Keynesian moment of powerful fiscal feeling, I am overlooking your imperfections. But oh please let me sing your praises while this feeling, sincere and true, sweeps me off my feet.
Like all love affairs, there is a dose of narcissism at play here, because I, too am a taxpayer. When I see, you, I see a reflection of me. I identify with your grumbling skepticism over losing half or more of your earnings to several levels of government. I know too well the frustration of crumbling infrastructure, car-busting potholes, health-care waiting lists, or an inaccessible justice system. There’s a long way to go to improve the lives of aboriginal people, and our policies on climate change. And as a Montrealer, I have writhed with moral disgust that our taxes have been lining the silk pockets of the Mob.
And yet, in spite of all of these heartbreaking betrayals, I still see your goodness shining through.
For I have understood that without you, beloved Canadian taxpayer, there could be no me.
Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/Dear+Canadian+taxpayer+love/10106439/story.html
Montreal Teachers 4 Change.org 
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