uses current events as a platform to teach civics, with emphasis on the U.S. Constitution. I clarify the history, rationale, policies, and procedures surrounding government operations and events, relating civics to real life. I don’t report the news. I explain it.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Pittsburgh mayor endorses public negligence
As Greater Pittsburghers dig out from under our once-in-a-generation snowfall, some observations come to mind. As usual, the city has done a barely mediocre job of clearing the snow and restoring normalcy. Yes, I know it’s bad weather. Yes, I know it’s a difficult job. But with just a smidgen of common sense and planning, we all could get through the next one much more easily. The city’s failures are tiresome and have always been unnecessary. And the latest stunt takes the cake.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Local agencies offer free income tax preparation
Once again, it’s tax season. Since 1969, the Internal Revenue Service has sponsored free tax preparation sites through its VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program. Volunteers, trained and certified by the IRS, prepare basic tax returns for low and moderate-income households. The United Way of Allegheny County works with more than 50 sites in various community locations through its Money in Your Pocket Coalition.
Taxes are a necessary evil. If we want paved streets, street lights, schools, police departments, public parks, interstate highways, courts, a national defense, safe food and medicine, clean air and water, safe and healthy workplaces, and everything else, then we have to pay for them. The government has to get its money somewhere.
Taxes are a necessary evil. If we want paved streets, street lights, schools, police departments, public parks, interstate highways, courts, a national defense, safe food and medicine, clean air and water, safe and healthy workplaces, and everything else, then we have to pay for them. The government has to get its money somewhere.
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