Hello, ICanDance.

As far as the burden for social security and Medicare ... Thank Jimmy the Worthless One Carter and Ronnie the Commie Reagan.

In 1968, the first year wherein there was any additional charge for Medicare, Self Employment Tax ... FULL burden, was 2.5%. When Title Act 18 was not a portion of the blend, it was 2%.

That exorbitant amount was to pay the "greatest generation" ... The biggest welfare suckers at the hog trough.

Sales tax is the cost of purchasing. Cut down on purchasing what you do not absolutely need .... it lessens the burden. Property tax is another matter .... Some suburbs where I own property are at close to 6% of assessed valuation (actually, slightly above market value). Property tax levies, at least here, all go to ballot. I cannot blame the government for the sheer abject stupidity of the voter. Well, well, don't you know .... "It's for the children ...."

Goodness, but I HATE the STUPID populace.