The Privatization of Marriage

[thesometimesaint]

20 minutes ago, rongo said:

What in the world did we do before the federal income tax? How did we have a "functioning government that provides the goods and services we all depend on?" 

President Benson's thoughts on the proper role of government resonate with me.

Also, nobody consulted me when the federal income tax was instituted.   There are other things that could be done besides income tax (with the benefit of getting rid of the IRS). 

I would settle for a low flat tax with no exemptions and deductions. I think too many Mormons freak out at the prospect of not being able to deduct tithing or getting rid of the child tax credits. 

We largely depended on tariffs. However during US Civil War a income tax was imposed to pay for it. 

All due deference to Elder Benson, but he was flat out wrong on a large number of things.

I wasn't alive either. How are you going to fund the government without the IRS?

OK. Lets look at that. A low flat tax of say 10% without deductions or exemptions means poor people starve/or go without shelter 10% of the time(About one month of the year). I haven't had the child tax credit for over 20 years. I still think it a good idea. It helps prevent children from paying the price of their parents poverty.

Edited February 16, 2017 by thesometimesaint