this post was submitted on 29 Apr 2026
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Explain Like I'm Five

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I asked a similar question a while back, but why do my taxes go to things I do not use like schools and such. The majority said you need to pay them. Now tell me why I have to pay for a ballroom? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 weeks ago by Patnou@lemmy.world to c/explainlikeimfive@lemmy.world
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[–] Danitos@reddthat.com 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

How do you suggest we pay for public services instead?

[–] hoohoohoot@fedinsfw.app 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

OBVIOUSLY

We are already paying for it.

Im asking to make EVERYTHING - VOLOUNTARY

:)

with rape, abuse and manipulation we cant really enjoy life

There are 2 options:

  1. Donation-basee
  2. Capitalist and selfish record keeping
  3. Secret (read at the end)

For the 2. Option not all services can keept records, but some that are most important and that can: hospitals, ER, police, firemen.

Both have problems

  1. Might not be profitable and thus people might not do a good job or might even refuse helping some
  2. You didnt have money to pay and/or didnt want to pay, you dont get services mentioned above.

The 3rd secret option:

Live and receive family+friends and/or community help, but you most likely also have to return it.

[–] VeryVito@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

You should be really proud of your family and community. I think mine is pretty great, too, but nobody in my family or circle of friends knows how (or is otherwise able) to treat cancers, stop diseases, create common weights and measures by which to standardize trade with other people and communities, defeat invading armies, warn of impending natural disasters or ensure the safety of foods, drinks, buildings, cars, etc.

Fortunately, they don’t have to worry about this kind of thing, though, because thanks to the buying power afforded by pooled taxes, responsible governments usually take care of these for waaay less than most of us could ever afford to pay.