Should Taxation be a Choice?

I don't like paying taxes any more than the next person but they are necessary in order for this country to survive. We can't depend on donations to build and maintain roads and bridges...or to support the agencies that oversee our food supply, medical care, socail services, support and assistance for the elderly. A country as large and the U.S. has a large infrastructure to support and the only way to fund it is thru taxation.

I not an American but I think you could apply the argument to any government in the world. We all pay taxes to our state or country and the government uses the money for many different things, from military purposes to education, welfare and legal systems.

I would say that if you don't like the way your government spends your money you have the right to vote them out at the next election. When politicians and political leaders come up for re-election, you should vote for the party or person who will spend your tax money wisely.

Paying taxes will never be a matter of choice because everyone would choose not to pay them. Then you would need a different system with private money used for national services and that would create more opportunities for corruption and preferential treatment. You would have less say in how your country is run, and the people with the money to give to the government would want to be making the rules.

I have no problem helping others, the problem is that there are not enough checks and balances to ensure that those being helped are trying to get to a point where they no longer need it...they become so dependent on the help that it ends up being expected. There need to be more time limits and restrictions to weed out those that are not willing to work.

Wouldn't we all love to see some changes made but what do you suppose would happen if taxation became completely voluntary? First of all, with a few exceptions, the ones most able to "donate" would be the ones least likely to do so because they would feel their "I've got mine" attitude had been validated. The old, the sick the poor - hey, it's their own fault they're not wealthy too. Our roads and bridges and other infrastructure? Let the free market take over, they don't need any oversight. Education? Why do those who can't afford private schools need an education for? They were born poor so let them die poor. Forget about food or drug regulations or inspections, not to mention the vehicles we drive or the other products we use. I say great, let people choose if or what to give and what to give it to. At least nobody will have taxes to complain about anymore but who will pay for this immoral war or the soldiers that have come home with horrible permanent injuries? They certainly won't be able to depend on any "welfare" from the government. We sure do need some changes to be made but for it to be voluntary wouldn't work, at least for most Americans it wouldn't.
Annie