Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

If I am forced to give any percentage of my income to a government I do not want, I think that is slavery

This is a good example of what I'm talking about.

Maybe you think of it as slavery, but in reality, it's the very definition of peasantry.

Slavery is you get no money. And by the way, if you disagree with it, the power holder beats the tar out of you. Or maybe s/he just kills you and gets another slave. Whatever's most convenient at the time/place.

Other than money, there are also a host of other differences between how we live and slavery. Including the fact that slaves don't choose their masters. There is no right to leave. Less than expected productivity results in severe beatings. And on and on and on.

Again, peasantry is its own special form of perdition. No need to exaggerate to get that point across. I was only saying that it's clearly not slavery.



"Slavery is you get no money. And by the way, if you disagree with it, the power holder beats the tar out of you."

If you try to withhold payment of taxes, I suspect you will feel a the force of the law.

"There is no right to leave."

Can I stop paying tax without a negative effect?

--

I am not free if I am forced to pay 100% of my income - that is slavery by your definition.

But if I pay 90%, am I free now? What about 40% - is that the 'freedom percentage'?

Please let me know what amount of income a free man should hand over under threat of force if they do not consent willingly.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: