nation-x

This video presents a false argument and seeks to exploit the naivety of the viewer (propaganda). It assumes a "pie in the sky" premise that society can function without authority and that a system of voluntary contribution is feasible. The narrator explains that it is unfair to use the threat of violence to make people pay taxes and presents "Oliver" and his family as the sole beneficiary of Georges' involuntary contribution.

It is fairly reasonable to say that it is impossible to obtain a semblance of society without any authoritarianism. You will often here people say "We are a nation of laws". All successful nations represent a "nation of laws". Without law, wealthy men would simply be warlords (as is the case in many undeveloped countries).

The premise that Georges' contributions are used primarily to "redistribute wealth" to people like Oliver is false when applied to reality. That is the biggest myth pushed by politicians and the media. I will detail why below. In the context of the budget, Social Security have NO EFFECT on the deficit. Social Security has it's own fund which currently has a surplus of $2.3 Trillion and is solvent for the next 25 years. There does need to be some changes in order to guarantee it's solvency beyond 25 years but in the context of deficits... it has no place in the discussion. This should be a separate discussion.

The problem with entitlement programs lies with Medicare/Medicaid. Currently, the average Medicare recipient pays in about 1/3rd of the benefits they receive. That certainly isn't sustainable. The projected cost of care was way off and those costs have grown at a rate that greatly outpaced contributions. This is just a point that I had to make... it doesn't really apply to the discussion about the video... but it had to be noted.

Now... the video above paints a picture of people having to pay taxes in order to assist the poor. That simply is a false premise because the great majority of the money they contribute to taxes don't go to welfare OR social programs in general (other than Medicare/Medicaid). In 2010, Medicare contributions totaled a little over $499B and Medicare/Medicaid cost $798B. That means it contributed roughly $200B to the deficit.

When you consider that tax revenue is roughly $2.2 Trillion, $200B is a small percentage of that revenue at a little under 10%.

In the scheme of things... your taxes, in general, aren't being spent on welfare programs as a greater expense. The great majority of it is going to military spending.

Another thing to consider is that the same authority that would force George to pay taxes also protects George.

I am not making a statement as to whether or not taxes are a good thing... I am only stating that the video is based on a false premise and is propaganda.