Is politics just legal extortion?

Question

Can you name one politician from any party at all, in any country you can think of, that was worth the tax money they extorted?

OK, Bill. I'm ready, name one.

Ralph, I'm not saying that they don't have a purpose. I'm saying that their larceny is our cost of getting the work done. That's why it's legal.

Answer 1

I can't recall any politician who has helped anyone i know.But then they think thier job is to tell us what we can and cannot do.Once elected they do what "THEY"want, and turn a deaf ear to the people who elected them. Then they send our tax money to solve ever problem in the world but ours. Thats your government at work,sucks huh.

Answer 2

A bit cynical this morning, aren't we?

As bad as government can be, just try to imagine how it would be without one. Imagine no roads, or just rutted paths, because nobody wants to pay the cost of improving them. Imagine anyone who wants to claim the title of "doctor" treating you with leaches, berries, and turpentine. Imagine someone coming into your house and taking whatever they want, because they're stronger or better armed than you. Imagine things even worse, if you can.

Governments prevent most of this from happening. They can't stop it all - nobody can. But they stop at least most of it, through investments in infrastructure, police and court systems, and standards for curriculums for professional training.

In the US at least, they also enforce the constitutional right of free speech. In some countries, you'd already be locked up in chains for what you just wrote.

My last thought - you can be a blowhard, or you can stand behind your words and get involved to change the government you're complaining about. Which will it be?

Answer 3

I can name many politicians who have never "extorted" any tax money.