Why tax property? The concept of ad valorem taxation (the taxes levied on your property) is on the wrong footing. Why do we pay annual fees for something that we have paid for, we own outright (or along with our frienldy bank) and are soley responsible for maintaining and insuring? Are we paying a rent, or are leasing from the government?

We don't pay ad valorem-like taxes on cars, motorcycles, boats or clothing or furniture and so on. We pay a one time tax and own them just like our property. It makes sense to pay a one time tax if we buy or if we make a profit when we sell the thing ... but to pay rent to a government to occupy our property makes no sense.

Services such as fire, police, dog catchers, schooling should be based on user fees. For larger services, like school fees, the government might grant a student loan, much like a mortgage. Of course, using this type of system, WE have the option of shopping around for the school of our choice to get the most bang for OUR buck.

Maybe control lying in our hands is too much to ask for from Big Brother - or is it?