From: Platt Holden (pholden@sc.rr.com)
Date: Sun Jul 17 2005 - 21:31:11 BST
Hi Arlo,
> 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.
Platt:
From Merriam-Webster: 1. the act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or
taking possession of the property of another
> [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.
My point was not that taxes were unnecessary, but that they're not
voluntary. If you refuse to pay them, the government can legally come in
with guns drawn, seize your property, fine you, and/or throw you in jail.
This is the naked truth about naked force that lies behind all
governmental laws and regulations, for good or ill. Too many times
throughout history, governments have wrecked havoc on their societies in
the name of doing good. I need not recount the sorry record.
But, if you asking if I occasionally visit state parks, often use roads
and always thank God for the people who risk their lives to protect us
from biological crime as do the police and military personnel, I do. :-)
As for society "collapsing" if there weren't taxes to pay for museums,
libraries and public transportation, I doubt it.
Platt
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