Someone proposes that US citizens should be forced to provide dinner for others. Those who oppose such coercion are accused of being heartless brutes who want to starve their countrymen. This smear campaign is successful at discrediting the opposition, even though it is false.
The measure passes, and supporters cheer it as a victory against hunger.
With the ruling--specifically the direct tax opinion--this is absolutely possible in the near future.
ReplyDeleteCurrently trying to find a country with great trails, minimally invasive govt, and a burgeoning bio-tech industry. Know of any?
Heh. Can't think of a better country at the moment.
ReplyDeleteOr what if US citizens are forced to pay for roads, like federal highways, in places where they don't even live! Like Montanans' tax money going to roads in California. It's a bleak and scary thought :-)
ReplyDeleteOr, a closer reality - obesity is a huge problem in this country and a large portion of our healthcare costs are derived from it. So the government mandates joining a health club. "I already run, I don't need it" you say. "I already ride my bike, I don't need it" they say. Yes, but what if someone steals your bike or you get sick of running. Plus, cross training is healthy. So fine, if you don't join a gym, you will be required to pay a tax of $1,000 a year.
ReplyDeleteThis could really go downhill fast. :) You know global warming is a huge problem for this world. And no matter how you live, the biggest correlation to it is essentially population. So from now on, for the health and safety of everyone, you will pay a $10,000 tax for every child past your second one.
ReplyDeleteDanni - Since I'm more or less libertarian in my views, fair enough. But infrastructure is less a concern to me. For the most part it works well, and even with private roads there's some sharing of costs as owners pass them on. Gotta pick your battles.
ReplyDeleteBrett - Today's joke scenario is tomorrow's policy.
ReplyDeleteAlthough individuals are somewhat protected under the Constitution, once they band together to form businesses, or "worse", employ large numbers of people, they lose their rights. The Commerce Clause and taxation will always be the foot in the door for new intrusions.
In the case of health care, the government will squeeze employers and providers, and they will squeeze us.