Quote from: ascent on July 22, 2011, 04:42:44 PM

So, stop it with the line about a gun being placed to your head and taking money from you. I understand you don't like the tax model. I get that. But you're going to have to show me that you have experienced extreme stress and trauma in your life from life threatening actions by individuals taking money from you if you wish to continue with that line in debates with me. Do it again, and I'll just leave. If that's what you want, then fine.

As Lastbattle said, Paying the enforcers in a timely fashion does indeed remove the 'Pain and suffering' aspect of it. And yes, self-imposed poverty does avoid the enforcers entirely. But just because the mugger is polite, and doesn't need to jab the knife at your throat to get you to pay, doesn't mean you weren't mugged.

The involuntary nature of the taxation system is the core of the problem. I would have absolutely no problem with the government, if it a) allowed competition, and b) was paid voluntarily, like any other service company.

Quote from: ascent on July 22, 2011, 05:07:40 PM

Note my above use of the words "random and scary". I do not feel that my life is random or scary with regard to the government. Nor do most people. You can continue to try and play the Mafia card if you want, but it won't work.

No? You never feel that jolt of adrenaline when you see a cop car? You don't check everything, make sure you're following all the rules?

Now imagine if you were black.