We all remember our first jobs. Those were the days! You were pretty sure you were going to be swimming in dough. My first attempt at "experiencing the joys of capitalism," as my dad was fond of saying, was at a movie theatre in my junior year of high school. I think I must have seen "Porky's" about 90 times. I can also remember seeing two different totals on that first paycheck, and my dad explaining to me what was meant by "net" and "gross." A recent video on X of a high school girl getting her first lesson in taxation will bring back memories for all of us, and it is also the one thing that young people should be taught when they land that first job.
The video starts with a girl who we can assume is at least 16. She has her first paycheck spread out before her on a table. She begins to point at different parts of the pay stub, and begins to ask some very good questions — questions that, quite frankly, more Americans should be asking. Her mom can be heard in the background doing her best to answer her daughter's questions. Her first question: "I don't have Medicare. Why is Medicare taken out of my work hours?" Mom says pretty matter-of-factly, "It's called taxes, Boo-Boo." Our young employee says, "Yeah, I understand that, but I don't have Medicare. You pay taxes for the things you buy. I buy cheese, I buy six dollars, plus sales tax. I don't have Medicare. I shouldn't have a tax on Medicare because I didn't buy that."
The discussion continues. Youngster says incredulously, "Seven dollars?! That's more than a twelfth of my work...ness!" Mom can be heard giggling in the background. Surely her one thought is, "Welcome to real life, kiddo." Her next question, "What is a Michigan income...why do you get to tax me for making money?" Trust me, kid, you are definitely not the first one to ask that question.
Mom: "If you are upset about taxes, when you turn 18 you can register to vote as a Republican."
