By that logic, all taxation is inherently morally wrong. Compulsory taxation, yes. I think that should be enough to tell you that your view is unlikely to be

By that logic, all taxation is inherently morally wrong. Compulsory taxation, yes. I think that should be enough to tell you that your view is unlikely to be correct. I think the word you're looking for is 'unpopular' ;) It seems we're largely agreed on the proper purpose of Government - to protect citizens from each other, that is, to protect their rights. But don't you see it as wrong for the Government to violate those very rights in order to fund itself? Do you want a government paid for entirely by voluntary contributions? Good luck with getting enough money that way. Actually, funding a Government isn't that expensive. If you pare Government back to core functions, you don't need much money. In New Zealand, we (meaning the Libertarianz) estimated it at around $2,500 / working adult / year. That (back at the turn of the 21st century) would get you courts, police, Parliament, defense, embassies and the glue to run it all. Then you need a way of raising the money. Probably, most working people can afford $2,500 per year to keep civilisation running, especially if they're not paying any other taxes. Maybe a poll tax? Seems reasonable that those paying also do the voting. Could simply solicit donations, or maybe run a lottery. But no: you couldn't run a socialist country that way. Which is sort of the point :)