Friday, February 13th, 2009...4:22 pm
Harry Reid: Paying income tax in the U.S. is voluntary
Splitting hairs about the meaning of the word “voluntary” makes Reid look like an idiot. Does he think that people watching this don’t see through his equivocation?
The thing is, Reid could’ve made a rational argument for why the income tax is voluntary in the common meaning of the term. He could’ve said that the U.S. was like a giant home owners association. Whether you choose to join or stay with an HOA is up to you, a voluntary choice. But as long as you stay in the HOA, you’re obligated to pay HOA fees.
Likewise, you can always give up your U.S. citizenship and move to another country. But as long as you stay here, you’re subject to U.S. taxes.
Of course, there are problems with the argument too. (For example, even if you give up your U.S. citizenship, the U.S. used to require requires you to pay income tax for 10 years after you leave.) But at least it doesn’t make you look like an evasive ninny.
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