The Charlotte Observer today provides some clear thinking about the debate over state and local taxes in the Carolinas in a brief editorial. The paper would likely differ with fiscal conservatives on what choices to make, but at least it doesn?t share the confusion of some in defining what government is and why its actions are so often controversial:

There are always more good proposals to meet real needs than government can pay for, or is willing to. The fundamental question involves not just whether a proposal is good or a need is real, but also whether the right way to meet that need is to compel everyone to help pay for it.

However much people talk about civic duty and such, the bottom line is this: Paying taxes isn’t voluntary, like giving to the United Way. A tax is an order from government: You will give us this much of your money or you’ll face the penalties prescribed by law.