What if taxes were paid like charitable gifts - i.e. you chose where they go?

[jblomenberg16]

So I was thinking a bit about paying taxes based on the 33 combat video thread (way cool btw). One of the responses was loosely "I like knowing my taxes go to that." I was thinking to myself, so do I!

So, we all know that nothing in life is certain but death and taxes, so assume for a moment that we have to continue to pay taxes at our current rates, but instead of the full amount going to Uncle Sam, the states, and the counties for them to spend at will, what if you got to tell each of them how you wanted them to spend your money? Ok, yeah, that is sorta kinda what voting and elected officials are for, but we see how well that is working for us.

This same strategy is very similar to what is reality in the charitable donation world. We pretty much have free reign on what we want to contribut towards, and in turn, have some influence on the benefitial work these organizations do in our communities. Things like churches, United Ways, American Cancer society, etc.

Washington clearly doesn't get it right now in terms of what American's really want. So, maybe what we need is a tax designation program. You get to pick what government program(s) you want your tax dollars to fund. You litterally vote directly with your dollars.

What would you choose (not paying taxes is not an option )?