To have revenue there must be taxes; no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant. Theses 70 and 71 together highlight the critical role of taxation in maintaining the financial health of a nation. Revenue approved by elected representatives ensures that the taxation system reflects the will of the people, legitimizing it as a constitutional and democratic process

The Argument

To have revenue there must be taxes; no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant. Theses 70 and 71 together highlight the critical role of taxation in maintaining the financial health of a nation. Revenue approved by elected representatives ensures that the taxation system reflects the will of the people, legitimizing it as a constitutional and democratic process rather than an act of theft. Taxation, when conducted through constitutional means, is a direct expression of the collective decision-making of the electorate, represented by their chosen officials and should not be referred to as being “stolen,” implying ultralegal measures are at play and thus undermining the notion that is a necessary component of responsible governance. Additionally, while it’s important to “wish” that government should act more like a business, we must remember that businesses are primarily designed to generate a profit from the revenue they collect, whereas government operates to serve the public interest, which includes funding essential services through taxation. Emphasizing this distinction ensures that the necessary revenues are raised to meet public obligations and pay off national debts, ultimately fostering a stable and accountable governance structure.