Language is very powerful. Ever think about how we have been transformed in almost all public discourse from CITIZENS "people who live in and contribute to their community positively with a sense of pride and belonging" to TAXPAYERS "people who are wary of government because it takes, takes, takes and who look always at how much they are getting for their money"?
We may pay taxes but I think in these matters we are citizens, NOT simply taxpayers. And I think we should remember our first allegiance is to our Father in Heaven - and we are first and foremost Citizens of the Kingdom of God.
Our society is driven more and more by economics and less and less by values all the time. Canadians, who were once “CITIZENS” first and foremost, are now “TAXPAYERS” or worse, “CONSUMERS” in the eyes of corporations, the corporate media and, increasingly, government. This is a troubling linguistic evolution. Why? Well, because language shapes attitudes. And it does so very subtly and insidiously. “CITIZENS” react to worthwhile but costly government initiatives with communal spirit and generosity. “CITIZENS” band together in tough times and make sacrifices for each other and for the common good. “TAXPAYERS”, on the other hand, selfishly tally the “value” they receive from government for their hard-earned money and seek out evidence of government inefficiency and waste at all costs. “TAXPAYERS” turn on each other when the going gets tough. “TAXPAYERS” look out for number one. Similarly, “CONSUMERS” just want more and more without the slightest regard for their fellow man. While I certainly pay taxes and, like everyone else in our society, consume goods and services, I prefer to self-identify as a "Citizen", First as a child of God, and then proudly as a Canadian, for I am not merely a taxpayer or consumer.
Peace.
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