RE: Government Made Simple
One thing being bad doesn't mean the opposite it better. If a mixed economy, with some part of the economy controlled by the state and others by individuals, is bad, then shouldn't we go communist? If pizza with pineapple is bad, then isn't a pizza with no topping the answer?
Yes, some countries like Algeria tax 64% of the economy. But the average in the European Union is 35%, the United States has 25%. If having 1/4 less money personally (while still getting public infrastructure and benefits in return BTW) makes people ignore global poverty, will getting that money back (while no longer getting the benefits) really make them spend so much more?
We already afford to take care of our sick, and the poor across the world. It's just a question of electing leaders who actually help them. That's very hard in undemocratic states like the US, but still, it's possible. Just make sure they aren't bought with large donations from corporations and people with weatlh and economic power, because they don't care about the interests of poor people.
'If a mixed economy, with some part of the economy controlled by the state and others by individuals, is bad, then shouldn't we go communist?'
why not go full individual? why does the government need to get involved in the economy, what does it produce that business doesn't? you're still missing the box. there is nothing government does that we cannot do for ourselves.
kudos to you for the research - but you're only talking about income tax there - what about all of the other taxes i mentioned in the op?
again, an alternative view is that we keep all of our own money, and take care of all of our own problems, as families and neighbourhoods. no need for the expensive apparatus of a huge central and local government to plan and decide and get a wage whilst doing so, if a road needs to be built or someone needs an operation we pay for it ourselves, like how we used to do until about 200 years ago.
i urge you to check out some other thinkers and speakers on the topic of libertarianism/ stateless society - tom woods and larken rose come to mind, as well as etienne de la boetie. peace.
The tax rate was total revenue relative to GDP, so not just income tax. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_tax_revenue_to_GDP_ratio
As a society, we need to have certain rules, and those rules need to be enforced. And no, it's not enough if when something happens, everybody in the town just runs to the guy to shoot him (as some libertarians actually propose), but we need an orderly process, with independent judges and all. And that process must inevitably include some police force, to enforce the rules.
If you can't see why we need a police, then I think you may be too far gone. If you can, we can talk about where the line should be.
yes, we need a court and penal system, pretty obvious. police? maybe, but only for preventing crime, to actually be on the streets stopping crime in the first place.
would be pretty unnecessary if everyone is taking responsibility for themselves so everyone will defend themselves or their property, again, like how life has been for most of our existence.
so yes, proper due process, court proceedings, judge and officers of the court. still no need for a central government though is there?
Ok, good that you're for due process. Now how will you actually get convicted criminals into prison, if you don't want a police?
'so yes, proper due process, court proceedings, judge and officers of the court. '