War Tax

Several prominent Congressional Democrats are calling for a “war tax” to finance President Obama’s plans to increase the American military presence in Afghanistan:

Their proposal would impose a 1 percent levy on middle-class taxpayers. Those earning more would be taxed at a higher rate, depending on how much is needed for the war. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin has also talked about a war tax, but only for the wealthy.

Proponents of this levy argue that it’s necessary to offset deficit spending.  Some Democrats have expressed concern that Obama’s actions in Afghanistan will drain support and resources for his ambitious domestic agenda.  That scenario is exactly what happened to LBJ as the Vietnam War consumed his “Great Society.”

Of course the central problem with such a tax is whether or not it will even cover our expenses.  Beyond that are the usual complaints about taxation – will the money really be used to pay for Afghanistan or some other domestic social program? Will the tax ever go away?  Don’t added taxes in a recession = bad? These are all end-runs around the simple truth that the only way to pay for the war is to stop fighting the war.

As has been pointed out recently though, the United States’ ability to simply run up debt isn’t going to last much longer.  To the extent that additional taxation can help break us from the habit of living well beyond our means then I guess I’m for it.  Granted, it won’t end our addiction to low interest rates, consumerism and empire, but a start is a start.  It would at least get the GOP’s attention – if there’s one thing they hate more than terrorists it’s taxes.