Walter E. Williams: Danger of no tax liability

Walter Williams breaks down the problems with the 122m (on last count according to a tax foundation study) or 44% of the American public pays zip, zero stingy with dinero dollars in federal income taxes. Wow that is an amazing stat. Williams then warns us of the danger that people who are not paying taxes pose by voting for more free goodies that they aren't paying for, as he takes to task both Regan and Bush for celebrating how many people were removed from the tax rolls. His solution to this problem is brillant though.

So here's my idea. Every American regardless of any other consideration should have one vote in any federal election. Then, every American should get one additional vote for every $10,000 he pays in federal income tax. With such a system, there'd be a modicum of linkage between one's financial stake in our country and his decision-making capacity.

This is not a far-out idea. The founders of our country worried about it. James Madison's concern about class warfare between the rich and the poor led him to favor the House of Representatives being elected by the people at large and the Senate elected by property owners. He said, "It is nevertheless certain, that there are various ways in which the rich may oppress the poor; in which property may oppress liberty; and that the world is filled with examples. It is necessary that the poor should have a defense against the danger. On the other hand, the danger to the holders of property cannot be disguised, if they be undefended against a majority without property."