[Hemlock]

Either way, it is ALWAYS wrong to steal from someone and give it to another.

Yes, what you say is true. However, is it stealing when you take it from a thief, assuming you have no way of locating the original owners? Would it be wrong to keep it for yourself in that case? Would you be obligated to give your loot to the "authorities" (i.e. the government) when they're the biggest thieves of all?

[nopardons]

Well, Robin Hood stole from the Church, besides stealing from wealthy people, and ( only in much later versions ) from the government ... in the form of the sherrif of Nottingham. The Church didn't steal from the people ; so that is theft. The wealthy didn't steal from the people; do that too is theft. The supposed taking the tax monies and then dispersal to the " people " would be recieving of " stolen goods " ( in legalistic terms ) , and STILL a crome.

Since the Robin Hood legend is based on at least three different thieves, who were just common criminals, and did NOT give anything to the " common man "; but, rather kept the money ... it's a spurious supposition to imply that it is okay. The later versions , which have been cleaned up, Hollywoodidized , and completely turned on its head are akin to the legend of Bonnie & Clyde's stealing from banks and giving that money ( other people's money ! ) to those who hide them, when they were on the lam. There is NO difference in that, than the government taking money ( taxes ) from those who earn it, and giving it to those who don't work !

That blows your theories to smitherines, dear. Somehow, facts and truth always seem to do that . : - )