Archive for taxes
Are State Lotteries Immoral?
Posted by: |This essay continues the Christian Theology and Public Policy Course by John Cobin, author of the books Bible and Government and Christian Theology of Public Policy.
“Don’t smoke, chew, or run with girls that do” is a popular adage in some Christian circles today. Christians are concerned about what God thinks about their behavior. They are also concerned about what men think. Of course, any true Christian who struggles with pornography will not herald his addiction, but in many places Christians will seek to cover up arguably less egregious activities like drinking alcohol, smoking cigars, or even gambling now and then. These practices are often viewed as taboo— even when used in moderation. Paradoxically, Christians are able to openly indulge in overeating or overspending on cars, clothing, and entertainment devices without chagrin. Gluttony and profligate spending seem to be more acceptable sins among believers than other excesses, creating a (widespread) inconsistency of thought about what is appropriate Christian behavior.
Tags: statism, taxation, taxes, theology
The Lottery is the Best Tax
Posted by: |This essay continues the Christian Theology and Public Policy Course by John Cobin, author of the books Bible and Government and Christian Theology of Public Policy.
The state lottery is one of those things which divide men of good will on the political and social right. For instance, the platform of the Constitution Party says: “Gambling promotes an increase in crime, destruction of family values, and a decline in the moral fiber of our country. We are opposed to government sponsorship, involvement in, or promotion of gambling, such as lotteries, or subsidization of Native American casinos in the name of economic development.” Conversely, a state lottery policy is refreshing for many libertarians.
Why would libertarians like the lottery? It has nothing to do with the morality of gambling but it has everything to do with the nature and propriety of the tax. Yes, the lottery is a tax. The lottery funds functions of civil government just like coercive taxes. The difference is that lotteries are voluntary — unlike any other significant tax source. In fact, enthusiastic and greedy people rush to play the lottery. I recently spoke to the South Carolina Lottery director. He stated that during a recent $100+ million “Powerball” game, sales exceeded 15,000 tickets per hour—a rate faster than the tickets can be printed. Can you think of any other tax that people rush to pay? By contrast, the state extorts money from people by taxing income, sales, gasoline, real property, luxury, and various “sins”, along with requiring licenses, permits, registration fees, and traffic fines, all of which go to the general budget of the state. Then the state doles out paltry welfare benefits, but receiving these benefits is nowhere near as exhilarating as having the television station’s cameraman at your front door. Somehow, buying a pile of lottery tickets (albeit with a remote chance of winning) is much more fun than “contributing” 12.4% of your earnings for the Social Security “program”? The odds of winning the lottery are probably greater than a young man’s chances of ever collecting Social Security.
Tags: government, taxation, taxes
President Obama says the public is “sold” on tax increases in the debt-ceiling deal. In fact, he even says that 80 percent of Americans support the higher taxes he offers.
Besides taxation being theft, immoral, and pure evil, there is a simple solution to this idiotic problem.
80% of Americans could just write a check to the U.S. Treasury, then shut up about tax increases.
This quote from the linked article is priceless:
"We don’t need a constitutional amendment to do our jobs," he said, rejecting conservative calls for a balanced-budget amendment. "The constitution already tells us to do our jobs."
Yeah, the Constitution is what drives excessive taxation, a welfare state, fiat currency, and endless wars. Or maybe it does? Lysander Spooner was right:
“But whether the Constitution really be one thing, or another, this much is certain – that it has either authorized such a government as we have had, or has been powerless to prevent it. In either case, it is unfit to exist.”
Tags: economics, government, politics, pure evil, statism, taxation, taxes
Vikings and Legalized Plunder, oh my!
Posted by: |What do Vikings have to do with government? Find out in this video…
This video is brought to you by the Foundation for a Free Society, who have done other videos featured here on LCC like their first video on liberty and the video of David Simpson’s speech from Nullify Now..
Tags: government, legal plunder, legislation, libertarianism, taxes, video
Ode to Tax Season 2011
Posted by: |Last week I did my taxes. It was remarkably unpleasant to say the least. After the final number was calculated, I was so disappointed that I wrote this Facebook note. I have been told it is worth sharing for now…
Tags: government, taxation, taxes, The State
Norman Horn is the creator and primary writer for LCC. Learn a little bit about him in the 