Once they define it as stealing, then it's morally indefensible, by definition.

The question is, is it actually stealing, or is that just their overheated rhetoric? From where I sit, it's hot air.

> Once they define it as stealing, then it's morally indefensible, by definition.

Right, similar to the equivocation around the meaning of earn in this thread. I've started to wonder whether it's possible to push by accepting that framing and then asking for a justification rather than quibbling about what "stealing" is.

▲

inigyou 3 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Does the highwayman earn his toll or does he steal it?

▲

AnimalMuppet 6 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

I doubt it. "Stealing" functions as a thought-terminating cliche; I suspect that very few people will think past it.

	▲	tome 4 hours ago \| parent \| next [-]
		I fear you are right, but I feel like trying it anyway.
	▲	yawpitch 2 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Especially amongst those who think of taxes as a form of stealing.