As a good little progressive, I've always been pro-tax. Firefighters, schools, buses—you name it, I've voted yes for it. But there's nothing like breaking a leg alone on a hiking trail to make you realize how great taxes really are. There I was, lying in the dirt by the side of the trail, when a host of highly trained, publicly funded professionals showed up to stabilize my bones and transport me to safety. No pretreatment credit check, no confirmation of my ability to pay beforehand, just the fastest and safest way to get me out of the dirt and into a delightfully Terminator-esque walking boot. So thanks, first responders. And I'll be voting yes the next time you ask, too. recommended