Taxation, Democracy, and Liberty

The standard conservative line has it that higher taxes equal less liberty, because the government takes away some of your money (of course, there wouldn't be any money without government, but never mind). The study cited in this report suggests that, to a point, the opposite is the case -- higher levels of taxation correlate strongly with greater democracy, equality, and individual liberty. This makes considerable sense, as the more universal necessities (health care, education, transportation, utilities, fire and police protection...) are provided to everyone as needed at collective expense, the greater everyone's security in the use of what remains to them. Ironically, higher taxes mean greater discretionary resources; a heavier tax burden often leaves citizens with more money to spend as they please.

http://www.truthout.org/1220094