Are Americans Pro-Slavery?
by Walter E. Williams
Let's do a thought experiment asking whether Americans are for or against slavery. You might say, "What are you talking about, Williams? We fought a war that cost over 600,000 lives to end slavery!" To get started, we might find a description that captures the essence of slavery. A good working description is: slavery is a set of circumstances whereby one person is forcibly used to serve the purposes of another person and has no legal claim to the fruits of his labor.
The ave ...
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Posted by: Scot Penslar
Comment: #1
Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:55 PM
I don't believe Walter E. Williams is opposed to all taxes, or that he meant to create that impression. What he objects to in principle is the use of tax revenues to redistribute wealth in the form of subsidies and social welfare programs -- in other words, the government forcibly taking money from those who have rightfully earned it and giving it to those who haven't. With the exception of the obligation of parents to support their minor children, the state has no right to compel any person to provide for the welfare of another. While we recognize society's duty to provide for those who truly can't provide for themselves -- the disabled, the mentally incompetent -- that duty is best served by voluntary charity.
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Posted by: WJDixon
Comment: #2
Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:05 AM
Mr. Williams states that "The average American worker toils from January 1st to the end of April, and has no legal claim to the fruits of his labor for that period."
Does he really believe that or is he simply mouthing a popular anti-tax sentiment. Does he not have a legal claim to drive on the streets and highways built and maintained by taxes? How about calling on the police or fire department when their services are needed? Then there is the cost of our Nation's security. Is that not a legal entitlement? The list goes on and on.
We have a right to expect, in fact insist on the best possible use of our tax dollars. But to simply comdemn taxes outright is rediculous. Does Mr. Williams expect someone else to pay for the things that he needs and uses?
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