Comment by dantheman | Hacker News Reader

Comment by dantheman | Hacker News Reader

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Because a minority loses out in a democracy, they can either adapt and accept the situation or struggle to change it. Often times it's easier to just change ones own position than to actually do something, that most likely will not succeed and if it does provides limited benefit - the ROI isn't worth it.

For example, I think the taxes are too high:

1. I can complain all the time, and be miserable.

2. I can work to change it - but lets say it takes me 10 hours a week to make any dent at all, and I'll only save 10k -- not worth it.

3. I can wish that it was lower, but do nothing and just live my life as it is. Though, I may feel anger or frustration - negatively impacting my life.

or lastly

4. I can change my position - I guess the taxes are good, I get this stuff that I need, etc. Now I'm happy with my current situation and don't have any need to change it. By changing my perspective I've removed a source of pain in my life, even though it still exists -- I am no longer consciously aware of it.

A little bit more on the concept of slave morality, it applies to Nietzsche's critique of Christianity:

"By saying humility is voluntary, slave morality avoids admitting that their humility was in the beginning forced upon them by a master. Biblical principles of turning the other cheek, humility, charity, and pity are the result of universalizing the plight of the slave onto all humankind, and thus enslaving the masters as well." [1]

He argues that in early Christianity instead of glorifying standing up to their oppressors, which was difficult and fraught with danger, that they glorified being subservient - when the master hits you turn the other cheek, don't defend yourself

[1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master-slave_morality

5. You can opt out, and live in the wilderness, not being a part of the economic system, and paying no taxes.

6. You can stop working, and live on the mimimum amount you get off other peoples taxes.

7. You can move to a country with lower taxes.

If all these freedoms seem to much work to you, the only person enslaving you is you.

5. Why must one opt out of the economic system? 6. Why must one stop working? 7. Why must one move away from their friends and family, to a foreign land? What if there is nowhere else with lower taxes?

I believe the the observation, about slave morality is being misunderstood.

But more importantly, the crux of my argument is this - if people are truly happy about the level of taxation, then why is it mandatory. For instance, you could have a minimal tax of 5% for core government functions and allow people to contribute any percentage they would above that to fund other various programs - you could even provide a guide. For current government functions to continue at their current level, the suggested donation for individuals at your income level is 55%.

If you don't accept that deal, then it doesn't seem that you are being honest with yourself that you have no problems with the level taxation.

Tragedy of the commons. It's one of the most fundamental reasons that we have states.

It's an enforceable commitment scheme. I will happily pay if everyone does. If it's optional, most people will become free riders, so I'm not going to be the sucker who bears more than my share while failing to actually solve the problem.

This looks to me as more of an argument against democracy than anything else. Not sure how you intended it. Its definitely interesting. But what would we be if not for democracy or some other form of rule? Anarchy. I don't think that is what I want, at least. It would be back to Darwin and "Survival of the fittest".

Democracy in its pure sense is quite horrible, it's commonly referred to as mob rule. That is why modern democracies are constitutional democracies, the rule of the mob is limited so that minorities are protected.

I do believe that his line of thinking exposes flaws in democracy - it's important to identify flaws in the system so that they can be addressed.

I completely agree on that point.

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