28 December 2000
Dear Survivor of Dimpled Ballots, Dangling Chads and Suspended Election Results:
Wow! The Founding Fathers must be enjoying the show! How could they have anticipated the spectacle of two thousand lawyers arriving in the Sunshine State to help count the votes. Talk about mind boggling; the whole process makes the tax laws look simple by comparison.
The concept of simple tax laws was brought home to me last week. A dear friend gifted me a copy of the 1913 Inaugural Form 1040. The four page form (including instructions) was a testament to simplicity. After providing summary numbers of your income, you are then asked to compute the taxes. The rates begin at 1% and graduate to 6%. Simple math and integrity are the only requirements to complete the form.
Today’s forms, by comparison, make the Dade county ballots look like child’s play. Advanced algebra and computers have replaced simple math and pencils. Is complexity really the price of progress?
Speaking of progress, welcome to the new millennium which begins January 1, 2001. While the party may not be as exciting as last year, we are no less grateful for all the blessings we are fortunate enough to take for granted.
Wishing you and your family peace and joy in the coming year.
Best regards,
Timothy F. Terry
TFT/lsn