Maybe I got it wrong

I always thought that the minimum contributions that an American should make to our society as a whole, was to: 1) educate themselves and then — while keeping in mind the greater good — vote their conscience and 2) to the best of their ability, pay their share of taxes towards things that benefit us all.

Regarding the first part, I worry about folks voting self-righteously or not voting at all — without an eye to the consequences of that action other than the immediate “rush” of feeling good about themselves.

Regarding the second part, one presidential candidate seems to be putting their own self-proclaimed “brilliance” at gaming the system above paying taxes. And surprisingly, they seem to be getting some kudos for doing so.

Keeping in mind the greater good, pulling one’s own weight — maybe I got it right.

This story was originally published October 18, 2016 at 5:18 PM with the headline "Maybe I got it wrong."