- NEW!
by Im Alec has abandoned this account on May 28th, 2009
But theft is *not* defined as taking from another by use of force. It is not theft to reclaim your own property from a thief. It is not theft to claim a clearly owed debt by the use of bailiffs. Equally, picking pockets and shoplifting do not use force but are still theft. Theft is taking that to which you are not entitled, with or without force.
Now, it is a matter of debate whether the government is entitled to levy taxes, and how much they are entitled to do so. But if they are so entitled, then it is not theft to collect them. There is an argument that any organisation, from a health club to a nation, is entitled to levy membership fees. In the case of the Government, these fees are called taxes. If you don't want to be a member, leave the club. This argument may or may not be realistic, but you must answer it before you call taxation theft.
Are sewer collections in property taxes?
by Answerbag Staff on March 2nd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What's the difference between property taxes paid on a rental home vs. if the owner lives in it in AZ? Is it a percentage? Tiers?
by A shout without knowledge is a protest on March 2nd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does levy tax deduction mean?
by Answerbag Staff on July 14th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
I live in California, if I do not pay my property taxes on time, does the state record this with the credit bureau ? if so, how long after?
by Jeff_S2323 on April 5th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What is a levered lease?
by Answerbag Staff on July 12th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
You're reading If taxation is not theft, what is it? If theft is defined as taking from another by use of force, how can taxation not be theft?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
Thank you! This is a very good answer.
I have, because of your reasoning, gone back to my question and changed the wording to "initiatory force."
I will add this: I never "joined" whatever government it is that points a gun at me and says "hand over your taxes."
So that analogy does not hold up.
I can point to, as just one example, the Soviet Union that considered all peoples and persons within reach to be property, and when Jews asked to be able to leave, to go to Israel, for example, they were told they couldn't leave until they "paid back" the state for their education.
Nobody ever asked "do you want this?" If something is forced on you, how can you reasonably be told you must pay for it?
by morrisonhimself on May 28th, 2009
Well, rats. It seems I can't change my question. Sorry.
by morrisonhimself on May 28th, 2009