Saturday, 24 September 2011

Taxes are a form of Rape

I have written about this issue many times before, but never from the linguistic perspective. Language is always fascinating, and it's very important to know how our language works. English is particularly wonderful - with many Latin-based and Greek-based root-words. One of just such words is the word 'rape' (now usually defined as sexual assault). 'Rape' actually has the same roots are the word 'rapid' (quick, sudden). Since taking an interest in Latin, I have been investigating different English words and here it is obvious that both of these have their beginning in the ancient verb rapere which means 'to seize or carry off by force'. In the old days of the Roman Empire it used to refer to kidnappings and other kinds of theft or plunder. This means that if I take some of your money or property from you against your will, I actually commit rape against you.
There is a great video on youtube from an old speech made by Professor Walter Williams which more of less explains this relationship in a very good way which is easy to understand. I strongly recommend watching it!

1 comment:

  1. This is a Beautiful Illustration of the Subjective Theory of Value! Neo-Classical and yet perfect.

    ReplyDelete