Is the Era of the Tax Revolt Over?

In the article linked to in this entry's title Mark Schmitt, a writer for The Washington Monthly, argues that just like every political movement has a beginning, they also have an end, and the end of the tax revolt era is at hand. He points out that with what he calls the tax revolt era spanning 30 years, almost every politician in office has come of age during that period. This means that both Democrats and Republicans have been engaged in campaigns where the rate of taxation is an issue. Indeed, if contemporary conservatism was built around opposition to taxes, opposition to communism, and opposition to "big government", the only thing that may be left that is holding conservatives together in the issue of taxes.

Communism is no longer a viable political movement opposing the United States. The Bush Administration has pretty much demonstrated that conservatives don't mind "big government" as long as it makes their supporters wealthy. Campaigning on lowering taxes is about the only thing left for Republicans. If, however, the public is coming to the realization that taxes are necessary to provide services that taxpayers want, then the Republican Party could find itself without a winning issue. Now, wouldn't that just be a shame?