Oct. 25--(Second in a series)

We've all been told that the only certainties in life are death and taxes.

To those, let me offer a third -- the certainty that politicians will use taxes as a blunt instrument to wield against their opponents.

This fall, for example, both candidates for Virginia governor are accusing the other of plotting to raise taxes. Lieutenant governor candidate Jody Wagner touts herself as a tax cutter in her ads; her opponent vilifies her as a tax lover in his. Closer to home, General Assembly candidate Scott Garrett has accused incumbent opponent Shannon Valentine of secretly meeting with Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Creigh Deeds to hatch a plan to raise $1 billion in revenue for transportation.

What's going on here? Why is there such a pathological fear and loathing of taxes among the electorate?

Part of it stems from the politicians themselves. The "I won't raise taxes, but my opponent will" approach is one version of a campaign tactic dating back to George Washington -- vote for me, and there's something in it for you. At its core, this is not much different than the minions of Chicago's first Mayor Daley passing out envelopes of cash to prospective voters.

Over the years, these office-seekers have succeeded in convincing constituents that the worst tragedy that could possibly befall them would be to have their taxes raised. And, moreover, that such a raise is always a nefarious plot conjured up by the other guys.

But it goes deeper than that.

Of course, we all think that we're taxed too much. When I actually look at my paycheck and see how much money has been diverted to God knows where before it pops up in my direct deposit, I always feel a little sick.

On the other hand, we tend to forget that government provides us with police to protect us, public schools to educate our children, highways to drive on, playing fields to play on, and so forth.

Like most things, these services cost more each year. Yet many of us clamor for an increase in government programs without much thought about the source for that extra money.

Maybe the root of the problem is a disconnect between government and citizens. The way the system works, it's as if you sent a lump sum of cash to your grocery store every two weeks and they delivered whatever they felt like delivering to your doorstep. The money goes out, but there's no real sense of where it's headed.

The federal government is a special case.