It’s tax time again. Including the federal liability, Washington state’s tax burden ranks seventh in the nation. I guess some folks won’t be happy until we’re No. 1.
The idea of a state income tax once again rears its ugly head and its face is that of gubernatorial candidate Ron Sims. Trailing in the polls, Sims is banking on convincing voters that he is taking the “responsible” but difficult and necessary path of instituting an income tax.
The proponents of a state income tax say that the current level and method of taxation through sales, excise and use taxes are unfair, especially to the poor. Does anyone really think that instituting an income tax will reduce or eliminate those other taxes?
If there’s a moral argument for an income tax, I haven’t heard it. A compulsory tax on one’s hard-earned income is, by its very nature, government using force on peaceful people.
Liberals would argue that a compulsory income tax to pay for entitlements is altruistic. Forced charity is not charity at all. In fact, would someone please explain to me how it’s not theft? If I steal your money, it’s wrong, but if I buy someone a wheelchair with it, it’s OK?
Taxes are necessary for a peaceful people to live free in a dangerous world. How those taxes are collected is more than an administrative exercise. The use of force by an American or state government to collect income taxes from peaceful Americans diminishes America as the beacon for liberty on earth.
Brier
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