Steven Moen, Minot
Imagine, it's 1775 in America and you've been rudely awakened by the sound of hoof beats and the cry, "The British are coming." Shortly thereafter you hear the beating drums signaling the militia to muster in the town square. Will you gather your musket, powder and shot and join your neighbors in the protection of your homes against the "crown" government or will you bury your head under your pillow and think this is a waste of time because the "crown" does what it wants and maybe the solution will be worse than the problem?
This was the dilemma back then and sadly not all gathered in defense of their homes, Some actually supported the "crown." In the end, however, a new nation was born with liberty and freedom for all.
Now fast forward to today in North Dakota. The drums are again beating and at issue is the freedom from government taxation of our homes and businesses. Just like in 1775 there are at least two sides and in the end only one will prevail. With all the oil activity and the resulting increase in extraction tax, income tax and sales tax which are giving the state unheard of revenues, why are property taxes scheduled to increase from 13 percent to 32 percent depending on the type of property?
All these taxes are feeding the ever-increasing spending that needs to be brought under control. Will you stand on the side of freedom or will you succumb to the scare tactics of the "government" who are telling us just like the "crown" did that the solution will be worse than the problem?
In 1775 the resulting battle was coined: "The shot heard around the world." This vote in 2012 could well be phrased, "The vote heard across the country." Already Texas, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and possibly other states are looking to get rid of property tax.