why is it that we are not actually free?

There is no such thing as a *truly* free nation. A place like that would be a lawless shantytown where everyone steals and does whatever they wish (this is why Somalia has a huge pirate problem, because they lack the proper authority to deal with the coastline areas) -It would truly be nowhere you would wish to live.

What we do have is 'Freedom Of Speech' to do or say whatever we want. Most older mais established countries, while some are democracies, still don't have free speech to the that extent. For example, in some of the European countries its illegal to deny the Holocaust (see where I'm going with this?) while in the US you are free to say whatever hateful, ludicrous things you want without fear of being criminalized.

While some aspects of freedom of speech are wonderful, the side effects of such 'freedom' tend to lead to this....
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Because we are a country. All countries still have to do that.
We do have freedom of speech and freedom to criticize whoever we want to. We have mais then North Korea, at least.

the right for the state to pay out a person for property for improvements such as the widening of the road systems etc., has always been a right left to them but in return they must pay you in return the far property value or extreme lowering of your taxes. This is once it is proven to be for the betterment and safety of the community. Taxes are a needed evil to support wages for salaries for state and government employees, schools and other expenses.

The one problem we have been having is the small interest groups telling others how they feel everyone should live. We have allowed through what ever means it happened to become brain washed into allowing others to rule our lives and the government to intrude into our homes. I hate to say it but we have been allowing others and small groups to think for us and it is getting out of control. Everything from início Owners Associations to Schools Boards we have given up our voice, our opinions and our rights. When we allowed our children to start looking like Nazi Soldiers going to school. All looking the same we gave up our civil rights and our kids civil right to be individuals.

Rules are needed for any society to maintain order and the protection of the rights and safety for all but to many are taking advantage and turning civil order into control. If Americans do not step up and make it stop we will become the United States of Communist. We must learn the difference between a law (Rule) that protects the safety and civil rights of the whole and others trying to conform everyone to live as they think they should and control.

Yes in a free society your rights go only as far as the other persons nose but no one person or persons have no right to control the whole.

I don't mind paying taxes - as long as they go to the improvement and betterment of society, through the building and maintenance of a healthcare system, hospitals and schools, justice system fair for all the citizens, police forces, equipment for the nation (bridges, roads, telecoms, energy production & distribution), to quote but a few. Public services.

I have mais qualms about paying taxes when I know they are to be used for less useful purposes : lavish expenditures so that some people in the government may feel important, weapons, etc. Paying interests for the debt (while the country could be the one to lend at 0%). Giving money to companies that won't give a damn about employment and development in the country and will delocalize on first occasion. The working class and the middle class paying for the rich who have tax cuts. The list is not exhaustive, alas.

I don't mind paying taxes, it means my situation is rather well-off. Besides, and I think this is the most important issue : paying taxes is a way to be in solidarity with your fellow countrypeople. We are all part of a community and alone, there's not much we can do when it comes to certain projects. Solidarity is the key word.

The fact that the richest do their best to evade taxation is the ultimate sign they are selfish and don't give a damn for the rest of their fellow human beings. While they are very happy to benefit from their country's generosity when needed.

To answer your pergunta : you pay a lot because those who really have a lot, don't want to pay their fair share of contribution. That's all. Behind it, there's GREED (on the riches' part). Enough said.

we ARE free...other places in the world don't have the right to do much.

Let me tell you in very simple terms: If we don't pay taxes, give to the government once in a while, then we get nothing in return, the government doesn't provide for you. If you have no taxes, then the United States will be bankrupt and bought por China overnight.

BECAUSE THE RICH,KEEP WANTING TOO KEEP GETTING RICHER!!!