It's good to be king - and it always has been. Ever since the first government formed, there has been the idea that there are things a government can do that are illegal when done by private citizens. This power also extends into the world of commerce and business, where the government allows itself powers and latitude that private citizens and corporations simply do not get. Whether one wishes to argue that the government must do some of these things simply to keep the whole system running, it does not change the fact that the government does engage in behaviors that would be illegal for anyone else.
Taxes - Involuntary Commerce?
Governments are unique in their power to levy taxes; in fact, it is one of the defining traits of a government. Even allowing that citizens do get something back for their taxes (roads, police, courts, etc.), the fact remains that it is not a voluntary transaction. There is no company out there that can similarly compel financial transactions - a homeowner can choose to turn off the power if that is their choice (though perhaps the new health care law in the U.S. will make health insurance inescapable). (For more, see How To Owe Nothing On Your Federal Tax Return.)
To read the full column, please follow this link:
http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0511/Its-Not-Illegal-If-The-Government-Does-It.aspx
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