# A Sorrowful Tax for Inner‑City Schools
*2019-09-13*

> Bill Young reflects on America’s legacy of slavery and proposes a 15% “sorrowful tax” on political contributions to fund extra salaries for teachers in inner‑city schools, then leads the Sorrowful Mysteries and a reading of Psalm 100.

## Why a Sorrowful Tax?

I was struck by a recent debate where an ABC News commentator asked President Biden about the legacy of 300 years of slavery. The response was evasive, and it reminded me that the United States still bears the wounds of that history. While the Republican Party, under Abraham Lincoln, moved to end slavery, the nation has never fully repented.

I propose a concrete act of penance: a 15% “sorrowful tax” on all political contributions for federal candidates—Democratic, Republican, or independent. For every $100 donated, $15 would be set aside in a fund to pay an extra 15% salary to teachers in inner‑city schools and to support special programs for those districts. The money could also be used for school supplies, clothing, or shoes for students in need.

The idea could start as a voluntary contribution, perhaps with a discount on political advertising for those who participate. The goal is to see how many candidates will truly act on their words and give a portion of their campaign money to help those most harmed by the legacy of slavery.

## Personal Witness to the Need

I grew up in the Bronx, in a one‑bedroom basement apartment with my mother, a single parent who had to rely on welfare after a heart condition left her unable to work. I know what it feels like to be ridiculed for the clothes we wore, to face bullying without any protective laws, and to see teachers struggle in schools where families are often single‑parent households.

Those teachers deserve an extra 15% in compensation because their work is harder, the environments are more challenging, and they often have to live far from the schools they serve. A modest increase could make a real difference in retaining good educators and improving the lives of the children they teach.

## The Sorrowful Mysteries

We now turn to the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, praying for the Church, for our nation, and for those who suffer.

**First Mystery – Agony in the Garden**
We meditate on Christ’s deep sorrow, His sweat like drops of blood, and His disciples’ sleep. We pray for repentance for the sins of slavery and for the courage to act.

**Second Mystery – Scourging at the Pillar**
We contemplate the purity of Christ’s suffering and ask God to purify our hearts, especially the hearts of those who hold political power.

**Third Mystery – Crowning with Thorns**
We pray for peace in the world and for the dignity of every human being, especially those still bearing the scars of oppression.

**Fourth Mystery – Carrying the Cross**
We ask for patience and perseverance as we work toward justice for inner‑city schools and their teachers.

**Fifth Mystery – Crucifixion**
We pray for the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, that His love may inspire us to give generously and to seek true repentance for the nation’s past sins.

## Psalm 100 and Our Lady of Fatima

We conclude with Psalm 100, a call to worship the Lord with gladness:

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with singing. Know that the Lord is God; He made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever; His faithfulness reaches all generations.”

We ask Our Lady of Fatima to intercede for us, especially on this anniversary of the fifth apparition (September 13, 1917), that our prayers may bring healing and justice.

*True repentance requires concrete action, not just words.*