DISQUS

Rogel, I would argue that the inefficiency of government is, in and of itself, immoral. Especially when combined with use of coercion and violence. Taking my wealth at gunpoint (which is what taxation is, once all the pretty platitudes are stripped away) and using it to build an elephantine mouse, against my wishes, is horrific.

That's interesting. I knew it was happening, but wasn't aware that it was that measurable yet. I suspect this migration will bring about, over the long term, significant change in the tax patterns of the states. I wonder if the potential for forcing change on Washington is there, or not. I really think the answer is competition, and there just isn't any visible competition at the Federal level. The Congress and President will never get it that we are less competitive in the world market because of higher taxes that companies must absorb into their prices.

I don't know if that will happen. Unfortunately, when the Federal government really has no competition, due to size and difficulty of leaving the USA, it seems unlikely that competition can force a change.

Hi there, thanks for the link and trackback. It's interesting to note that Mass enacted their flat tax in response to New Hampshire not having income tax. The theory of competing governments providing for more liberty, at least economically, seems to be reasonable. I'm willing to bet we'll see the same thing happen in Europe as more and more Eastern European nations go to low, flat tax structures.