about the claim of "Go to your home town to be counted and taxed" being ridiculous. Can we really compare the strengths and liberties Americans now have to that which was in that time and place? When you're taught to abide the law or be stoned, you weight whether a few shekels are worth death. Plus, though it was harder to travel, it could be (as with Joseph of coat of many colors fame) that in times of famine/drought one could go sign up for help, but only if proven a resident. Slower, certainly, but looks kinda like bureaucracy moves at about the same pace as back then. :)

Even with America, the income tax started OUT as an optional thing in support of the war effort, until it showed how much money was to be fleeced from the public. I'm not sure if they ever changed the terminology to state it's mandatory, but you know what can happen even here if one does not comply. I don't see a revolution starting over it yet, though.

• "All the World Taxed at Birthhome" is ridiculous - johnpowell - February 12, 2001 - 13:23 UTC
  • Demanding isn't the same as receiving - gwynj - February 12, 2001 - 15:00 UTC