[MD] A society without money

[Ham Priday]

Woods --

> I've heard we are under law to pay federal income tax, and then
> I've heard we are not and I've seen in documentaries where court
> decisions have not imprisoned people that evade federal income taxes.
> Yet, some people are imprisoned if they don't pay their federal
> income taxes.
> Does anybody truly even know?

The US system is "voluntary" only in the sense that it is up to the 
individual to declare his own tax liability and to report any deficiency in 
taxes withheld from his paycheck.  The standard term used for such a tax 
policy system is "voluntary".  In many countries the individual has no role 
in the payment of taxes - the government deducts the money without asking 
the citizen what he owes or what exemptions he may be entitled to.  Of 
course payment of the U.S. federal income tax is not optional, and the term 
"voluntary" is deceptive for a tax mandated by federal law.

Here's additional information on the history of taxation in the U.S. copied 
from Infoplease at
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0005921.html

"From 1791 to 1802, the United States government was supported by internal 
taxes on distilled spirits, carriages, refined sugar, tobacco and snuff, 
property sold at auction, corporate bonds, and slaves. In 1817, however, 
Congress did away with all internal taxes, relying on tariffs on imported 
goods to provide sufficient funds for running the government.  In 1862, in 
order to support the Civil War effort, Congress enacted the nation's first 
income tax law.  It was a forerunner of our modern income tax in that it was 
based on the principles of graduated, or progressive, taxation and of 
withholding income at the source.  During the Civil War, a person earning 
from $600 to $10,000 per year paid tax at the rate of 3%.  Those with 
incomes of more than $10,000 paid taxes at a higher rate.  The Act of 1862 
established the office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue.  The 
Commissioner was given the power to assess, levy, and collect taxes, and the 
right to enforce the tax laws through seizure of property and income and 
through prosecution."

By the way, I agree that Ron Paul is a "true conservative", and would have 
voted for him had I thought he had the support needed to win.  As it turns 
out, John McCain is the candidate of choice for conservatives, and I dread 
to think what will happen to America under the leadership of Barack Hussein 
Obama.

Best regards,
Ham