> The fact is that the government, like a thief, says to a man: Your money, or your life. And many, if not most, taxes are paid under the compulsion of that threat.

Yes, but I like civil society, infrastructure, paved roads and what little social safety net we have in this country, so...

So you see taxes as necessary. That's fine. It doesn't invalidate the point being made.

But are taxes really theft if I'm willing to pay them and I'm getting something of value back in return?

Maybe it's extortionate, but the entire premise of government and the social contract is extortionate to a degree.

Ahh yes, the running joke of "But who will pave the roads", this has be debunked so many times it is now a meme in libertarian circles yet people still bring it up anyone some mentions that income based taxation is theft.

Sad reality is most private roads are better maintained than the public roads which driving to my home everyday is like a obstacle course.

Then there is the fact the vast majority of Roads (in the US) are paid for not with Income taxes but with User Fee's such as Gas Taxes, Car Registration, Wheel Taxes, Tire Fee's, Sales Taxes on Cars, and many other sources

But hey let keep up with the narrative that with out income taxes we would all be driving on mud paths