After seeing the discussion mainly on the Act thread regarding tax, I thought it deserving of its own thread.

The problem as I see it, is people are approaching the issue without a clear reference point. What is tax actually for?

IMHO there appears to be two main points of view.

Tax is either to redistribute income (very much a socialist POV) or to provide the essential services expected of a State ie Security, Justice, Education and Health. (probably in that order, and using the US as an example, the last two are debatable. Whereas many other democratic states would include them to some level.)

It appears self-evident that governments only increase in their reach and size. Feel free to give examples of a government that willingly shrunk and removed powers of influence and intervention.

My own view is that a redistribution of wealth model is doomed to failure and abuse. Many argue that Socialism and Christianity are closely aligned, but the critical difference is that Socialism demands charity of the State, whereas Christianity demands charity of the individual. In my view that is one area where we are failing as a society.

Anyway, hopefully this is a catalyst for a respectful and engaging discussion.