[MD] Sin Part 1

[ARLO J BENSINGER JR]

[Ian]
The difference between Arlo's rhetorical questions and Platt's enthusiastic
acceptance of them is the pragmatics of actually doing it.

[Arlo]
I would argue as well its not as simple as my rhetorical questions imply. The
effects (benefits) of the infrastructure via taxation are all around us, and
many are so habitual as to blend into the background (libraries, for example,
fuel improved labor markets by increasing production by fostering
innovation...if our hypothetical "taxation objector" took a job for someone
who's means to create employment derived from access to publically funded
information, he'd have to assume that cost as well).

The point is simply to highlight that taxation is not "evil", it is part of the
social contract among free people to realize that collective effort achieves
more, at lower cost, than privatization. The military works because of this, as
does libraries and public parks. The idea that "its of no benefit to me, so I
should not have to pay for it" is so shortsighted to be ludicrous. I am
certainly much better off in a society that provides public libraries, even if
I personally do not use them, then I am without. Same with open travel, public
roads and waterways and federal and state lands. I might personally never make
it to the Grand Canyon, but I don't mind paying for its upkeep, maintenance and
protection. And I do so because I know the quality of life overall in this
country improves because of it. I don't sail, but I support my tax dollars
going to keep our waterways free, pollution free and traversable.

[Ian]
Taxation based (more) on consumption is a great whose time is coming, but the
inefficiecy of collecting it all at point of use, means there will still have
to be some centrally (voluntarily / democratically) institutionalised
pre-payments and insurances.

[Arlo]
I like the idea because it says (to simplify) "the more you take out of our
great society, the more you should help pay for the services that make that
possible". Taxation on income taxes contribution TO society. As for a centrally
institutionalized system of receiving and allocating funds, I'm not sure how to
change that, or if it even needs to be changed. Corruption and waste should be
dealt with accordingly.

Futuristically, I see consumption taxes being paid exclusively on the state
level, with federal taxes consisting of a percentage of each state's tax
income. This way, when the military budget balloons, and each state must pay
more to the federal government, meaning less to spend at home, will encourage
more discretion. As it stands, federal and state taxation is separate, so an
increase in federal dollars does not mean the states suffer. I'd like to change
that.

Of course, deep down all this is not about "taxes", its about the evil three,
"welfare, medicaid and social security". As I've stated, the neocon position is
about social-Darwinism ("let the stupid and lazy die"), and the misguided
belief that economic hardship is the result of personal ineptitude, and nothing
more. On welfare, I side with those seeking to change a broken system. But I
personally think a safety net, a temporary safety net, is a legitimate function
of government. If you or Platt or Case or anyone lost their job, while you were
seeking new employment, I have NO problem with tax dollars going to help you
make your mortgage, buy food and medicine, etc. Should it be a lifelong thing?
Of course not. Can it ever sustain itself as a lifelong thing? No. But should
we eradicate the net entirely? Again, no.

[Ian]
And the fact that there will be free-loaders means we either have to force them
(intellect over social) to comply, or leave them dying at the roadside if all
we can find is their "conscientious objector" card rather than Arlo's credit
card.

[Arlo]
Arlo's credit card?! Ain't no way I'm a'payin' for some tax-decliner's EMT
service. Let them use their own card, or die by the roadside if they don't have
the cash on them. (Gee, Platt, we'd love to put out that fire on your house,
but your credit card was declined. Sorry.)