Another way of looking at taxes

To the editor:

"Taxation without representation" — this is part of our treasured heritage from the very beginning of our country. But, take note, it is not saying "no taxation." The important message is that we demand representation for those decisions.

It would help us get the true message if we thought of taxation as the means we have to do with our fellow citizens those tasks which are too demanding for us to do alone: build roads, promote new industry for our community, develop a tourist attraction with our historic downtown — for starters.

But never forgetting the importance of having our own representatives involved, we do have to make sure those representatives are up to the task.

Maryalys Urey

Baker City