Friday, July 13, 2007
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Freedom isn't free
Neither is the National Highway System, for that matter.
A few weeks ago a NH couple made headlines for holing up in their Plainfield compound and refusing to pay taxes. Their position is that the US Constitution doesn't provide for the taxation of private citizens. This is a seductive argument which has attracted many advocates over the years for obvious reasons. The only problem is, we can't all suddenly decide not to pay taxes. This mentality is akin to that of an impatient motorist who goes whizzing by in the breakdown lane while the rest of us suckers are stuck in traffic. This tactic only works so long as most people are following the rules. If this is your justification for doing something, you're not principled, you're criminal.
Contrast this with another group of people who refuse to pay taxes because they don't want to fund the war in Iraq. Unlike the couple in NH, these people choose to live on a minimal income so as not to owe any taxes (both groups of tax evaders risk eviction, fines, and jail time). While I do respect the second group's sacrifice, what I don't understand is this: if they disagree with their country's politics, why not move? They could earn a decent living in some other country and pay taxes with a clear conscience.
I admit, the fact that over 50% of Americans voted for this dancing monkey -- not once, but twice -- has made me entertain the possibility of moving to Canada. Too bad Canada is so lame. As much as I disagree with this country's current administration, there is no place I'd rather live. The next time Texans start making noise about wanting to secede, maybe we should let 'em.
A few weeks ago a NH couple made headlines for holing up in their Plainfield compound and refusing to pay taxes. Their position is that the US Constitution doesn't provide for the taxation of private citizens. This is a seductive argument which has attracted many advocates over the years for obvious reasons. The only problem is, we can't all suddenly decide not to pay taxes. This mentality is akin to that of an impatient motorist who goes whizzing by in the breakdown lane while the rest of us suckers are stuck in traffic. This tactic only works so long as most people are following the rules. If this is your justification for doing something, you're not principled, you're criminal.
Contrast this with another group of people who refuse to pay taxes because they don't want to fund the war in Iraq. Unlike the couple in NH, these people choose to live on a minimal income so as not to owe any taxes (both groups of tax evaders risk eviction, fines, and jail time). While I do respect the second group's sacrifice, what I don't understand is this: if they disagree with their country's politics, why not move? They could earn a decent living in some other country and pay taxes with a clear conscience.
I admit, the fact that over 50% of Americans voted for this dancing monkey -- not once, but twice -- has made me entertain the possibility of moving to Canada. Too bad Canada is so lame. As much as I disagree with this country's current administration, there is no place I'd rather live. The next time Texans start making noise about wanting to secede, maybe we should let 'em.
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