It's time to wake up and defeat rise of the far right

WE'RE told that patriots wave flags, but I think that patriots quietly do their sums and ensure that they pay their taxes before the January 31 deadline.

- Hilton Dawson

Demonstrators march through Minneapolis to protest over the deaths of Renee Good on January 7, and Alex Pretti on January 24 by federal immigration agents

I heartily approve of tax, as a way of funding our precious public services and as a means of redistributing wealth to provide fairness and opportunity for all. Fair taxes are a mark of civilisation, we should tax land as well as income.

My good friend Jim is delighted to pay up. He came here alone, with nothing, to save his life. While he has been living here, he has attended college to obtain necessary qualifications. Still seeking asylum, he is now permitted to begin a job, working in a shortage occupation with vulnerable people. It's actually ideal, he's a kind and caring man, quite prepared to work the required unsocial hours. Now that he is allowed to work, there is no more call on the public finances for the costs of housing or support. He regards paying tax both as a duty and a mark of acceptance. It's a way to give back, everybody contributes, everybody has a stake in public services and in those who govern us. How they spend our money.