From: Platt Holden (pholden@sc.rr.com)
Date: Mon Jul 18 2005 - 15:38:58 BST
Hi Arlo,
> Interesting. I checked Merriam Webster Online, and the definition for "tax"
> (noun) was: "1 a : a charge usually of money imposed by authority on
> persons or property for public purposes b : a sum levied on members of an
> organization to defray expenses". Then I checked dictionary.com and found
> this: "1. A contribution for the support of a government required of
> persons, groups, or businesses within the domain of that government."
> (These are just the top definitions).
>
> MW uses the words "imposed by authority", Dictionary.com uses "contribution
> for the support". Seems like political bias also effects dictionary
> authors.
Very interesting. Maybe political bias affects philosophy, too. Perish the
thought. :-)
> Ah, but you wax towards the idea of "evil-involuntary" rather than
> "good-involuntary". At least it comes across to me this way. If I, as a
> member of my local gym, stop paying my dues, I face possible legal action
> or expulsion. I am certainly not allowed to continue using the services.
>
> So, in this case, my dues could also be seen as "involuntary". The trouble
> with the larger case of a national tax is you join by being born into it.
> Now, since you are also by being born here using the services. So this is
> not a problematic thing for me. Indeed, I always find it ingrateful when
> people rail against "taxes", but then take their kids hiking in state
> parks, or drive their motorcycles cross-country on public roads, or make
> use of EMT services should something bad happen.
Well, I'd say if voluntarism is the issue that it's a lot easier to
voluntarily opt out of the gym than a country.
> Consider the havoc wreaked on the majority of the nation's citizens before
> government levied labor laws and workplace regulations. Its not only
> government that can do bad when telling everyone it is doing good.
In using "havoc" I was thinking of gulags and ovens, not labor relations.
There is a difference wouldn't you say?
> Our government, the way I see it, is a moderating force. It protects us
> from abuse from other individuals and from power structures that would seek
> to enslave.
> Sadly, I would agree, and this is why MSH started the thread,
> it is not doing so. It is, in fact, "in bed" with these coercive power
> structures.
Please define what you mean by "enslave." As I look around town I don't
see much slavery going on.
> But I'm curious, and this is just a rephrasing of what MSH has been asking,
> what tax-based services do you feel are in-line with the MOQ, and which are
> not? Let me ask specifically about the ones afforementioned:
>
> Public roads? State parks? Libraries? Public transportation? Museums?
> Public legal representation? EMT services?
>
> Are there any services that are NOT provided by taxes that you feel should
> be? Or that should be expanded? (I've suggested more funding for libraries
> and museums, for example).
I don't see anything in the MOQ that is "in line with" the tax-based
services you mention. Perhaps you can refer me to the appropriate quotes?
Platt
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