No Taxation without Representation

No Taxation without Representation

Enlightenment

• Deism
• Laws of nature & natural law
• Human beings use reason to create harmonious society
• Natural rights
• Any laws that conflict with natural law should be removed
• Human dignity

Property

• Status symbol for England
• Property à rights, prosperity, power, freedom

Labor

• Should contribute to the good of society
• Should be against slavery (but were not necessarily)
• Workers’ rights (laws protecting the abuse of indentured servants)
• Work should be free & human
• Work represents an investment of self

Money

• Representation of freedom, power, status, etc.
• Potential to gain good
• Money represents your work, time, personal investment

Taxation = taking money = work, time, personal investment

Without representation – without choice (freedom)

= slavery

posted by Jeffrey @ Friday, January 27, 2006