[jrherreid]

How about an agent that works whether you wanted to hire him or not? And whose price is decided by him, and isn't negotiable? I'll be your agent on that basis--the fixed, non-negotiable price I charge is exactly my annual tax bill.

Hey--it's part of being a US citizen. If you don't want to pay the agent, don't join the club. You're always free to move to another country, you know. You also have to pay for electricity, water, and phone use--is that theft?

[sourcery]

Hey--it's part of being a US citizen. If you don't want to pay the agent, don't join the club. You're always free to move to another country, you know.

Um, I've just started my own country. It's territory includes the entire universe. Everyone living in my country owes me taxes: $50,000/year. You consent to this obligation as a condition for living in my country. Pay up.

You also have to pay for electricity, water, and phone use--is that theft?

No, not as long I can choose whether to engage in the transaction, and am not coerced by others into doing business only with certain persons.