I pay my taxes. You pay your taxes. Is it moral?
I pay more taxes than you. Does that make me morally superior to you?
I want to pay less taxes. You want to make me pay more taxes. Does that make you morally superior to me?
If you and I don't vote and we have no influence on government policy, does the fact that I pay more taxes make me more responsible for the policy of the government? What if I voted against the policy implemented? What if I voted for the policy implemented but paid less taxes than you? What if you voted for the policy and paid no taxes; are you still responsible?
What if the policy was capital punishment? What if the policy was free milk for babies?
Can I make a moral statement in paying taxes or withholding from paying taxes that has a greater significance than mere compliance with tax law, or does the symbolism of taxation end on that note?
What about taxation without representation? Under what conditions of breach of social contract am I not obligated to pay my taxes? Is that social contract dependent on morality or is it just a condition of citizenship or residence?
--
In the discussions about taxation, there's a lot of slippery transference going on.
I happen to believe that there is nothing we peasants can do about taxation. When Uncle Sam puts out his hand, pony up or prepare for a smackdown. Your complaint means nothing. Consequently, all symbolism about the payment or non-payment of taxes is moot. That is not a complaint for non-lobbyists to make. Unless you are involved in the crafting of tax law, it doesn't matter what you think about it. The government will collect, it is a Hoovering mouth unconnected to any locus of reason. The taxman collects like the shark eats, with witless and relentless efficiency. His hand is already in your boss's boss's pocket. Withholding is merely a convenient device. I've seen the other devices.
Nevertheless, lots of squealing is made about the rights one has to one's own money being correlated to the work of government. Robert Reich did a bunch of mouthing off in this direction yesterday on Pat Morrison's NPR show covering the nomination of some wonk to a new 'consumer protection' agency. Reich very unsubtly suggested that it doesn't matter how sophisticated you think you are, the fine print of private business is getting even finer. Therefore all you peasants need a big brother in government to fight on your behalf. Which means of course, that the government is going to lay some thick fine print of its own on the baddies, who in this case are credit lenders. Bottom line is that the government is fighting the cheaters and we owe those good guys in government a little more tax.
Whether or not this new agency will do a good job, it will cost us a little more tax. Whether or not we believe we need the help, it will cost us a little more tax.
Recent Comments