I think fundamental to the othering of the government as the enemy is the notion that the government is TAKING your money, like a thief, or an extortionist. Isn’t that always the joke, isn’t that the way people complain about their taxes?

It’s easier to get mad at a guy taking your stuff, than to get mad at a guy who you owe money to.

Taxes to me, are like rent. I wouldn’t bitch about my taxes any more than I’d bitch about my rent. I’m using this building to shelter me and my partner and my cats, I’m using their trash facilities, their parking spot, their garage, their squirty water nozzle thing I use to wash my car, I owe them that money. It’s like Ob said, it’s an obligation.

So it’s a pattern of thought. if it’s ALL YOUR MONEY, then by its very nature the government is taking it unfairly, right?