price for freedom

What price for freedom? por Dominik Schönenberger:

The government should offer citizens and companies a way to buy their freedom from taxes. Against a one-time payment, they would be relieved of the obligation to pay a specific tax, relinquishing in the process any rights they would otherwise have gained.

How about being relieved from compulsory health insurance against a one-time payment of CHF 20’000? Henceforth, you could take care of yourself within your own means. Are you interested in freedom from compulsory unemployment insurance or retirement plans? In the view of some citizens, such services are meaningless, and a Freikauf would be interesting to them.

How about a lifelong exemption from income tax? How much are you willing to pay for never again having to pay tax on the first CHF 100’000 of annual income? Is it worth CHF 50’000? CHF 80’000? ..

Such purchases of freedom would also be in the interest of the indebted state. The eyes of politicians are already gleaming at the prospect of instant money now. In addition to receiving an immediate cash influx, the government would be relieved of providing costly services to those who have opted out. It would be downright irrational for the government to turn down such a deal—at the right price. It is simply a matter of price.