Radical Personal Finance 1135-Are You Getting Good Value in Government For Your Tax Dollars Paid?
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Apr 15, 2026 A discussion questioning whether citizens get fair value for the taxes they pay. Topics include what core services governments should provide, the outrage of large frauds, and why defense and justice are central duties. Options for unhappy citizens are covered, from voting to relocating. The idea that governments compete for residents and the need for a backup plan are also explored.
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Tax Freedom Day Reveals Taxpayer Value Question
- Tax Freedom Day shows Americans work roughly a third of the year to pay taxes before earning for themselves.
- Joshua Sheets compares Tax Freedom Day timing to other countries and uses it to ask whether taxpayers get fair value from government services.
Reporting Exposed Large‑Scale Welfare Fraud Example
- Joshua Sheets recounts reporting by Nick Shirley exposing Somali fraud in Minnesota and elsewhere.
- He cites Treasury Secretary [Janet] Yellen's fraud task force estimate that fraud could be as much as 10% of the federal budget.
Defense As The Core Duty That Justifies Taxes
- Fundamental duties of government are framed as a king's covenant: provide external security and defend the realm.
- Joshua Sheets argues defense is non‑delegable and justifies taxation to fund protection against invasions and raids.