From: Arlo J. Bensinger (ajb102@psu.edu)
Date: Sun Jul 17 2005 - 17:07:24 BST
Platt, MSH, All,
[Platt wrote to MSH]
> Taxes are a government intrusion into private lives backed by force. If
> you don't believe it, don't pay them and see what happens. Then write to
> tell us.
[Arlo jumps in]
Taxes are an agreed upon necessity to providing infrastructural support to a
society, without which said society would collapse. Taxes provide roads, EMT
services, libraries, museums, public transportation, state parks and lands,
courts, not to mention the much cited military protection.
I think specific things taxes support can be questioned, or reapportioned, but
the idea that taxes are "intrusions in private lives" won't hold water unless
you can offer alternatives that will enhance the lives of the majority of
citizens.
For example, if we abolished taxation altogether, would we have a privatized
road system, similiar to the toll-road concept? Would we do away with public
libraries and replace them with Barnes & Nobles? Would our state lands be
privatized so that only land with no capitalist value (mineral, oil, toll-road,
etc) be left to be enjoyed by hikers and campers? Would we privitize EMT
services, and how/when would they collect money for their efforts? Before
arriving? After? Who would enforce this? A privitized police force?
I certainly don't like all the things my taxes pay for. And I wish some things
would get more money (like libraries and museums). But I don't see taxes as any
sort of "intrusion", I think of them as a "membership fee". I get to use all
the equipment provided, and payment supports that.
Arlo
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