"people don't like to have money taken off them at any level."...

"people don't like to have money taken off them at any level."

that's not actually true ------- at least, not across the board

IMO, it's pretty common for people to not mind paying out money - as long as they can see that they get something back

2 examples come to mind -
Michael Moore interview with ?? a CEO, I think in 'where to invade next' - the interviewee says exactly that - that people do not mind paying more tax if they see they are getting something back for it -

also, closer to home and not the stuff of movies or docos -- in Tasmania I have heard many times from fisherman and boaties about their boating rego fees etc per year - when they were getting nothing (at least visible) - they weren't too happy about it - now, fees are higher but, there are some really great boating facilities - wonderful boat ramps with pontoons to tie up on when you launch and good ramps etc.

many boaters really like them and do not mind footing the rego fees, because they are getting something really good back ------ anyone who uses them knows how good they are and how much better it is than if you don't have them. What's interesting is that it makes boating so much easier and a better experience, so, more people take to boats - you get more regos and more money going into the economy

it's the same if you extend that idea to other parts of government----------- where it can get sticky is where you have essential services - like health and people have no choice but to use them - if they are really poor, then, it's a dreadful impost to pay anything - unlike your boat, where you just don't have a boat -------- if you need a hospital service or similar - often, you don't have a choice.

Governments can do it well - plenty of places do -and, other places do it very badly ----------- alarmingly, much of it is just common sense and very obvious

some of us are able to walk any city and point out things that are just obviously stupid ------ most of us don't even notice ------ until we are the one who is effected

eg. - anyone who makes rules etc. for say - people in wheelchairs and the like - should spend a week or more zooming round in a wheelchair - no standing up allowed --------- see if there are any rule changes then - much of it is just pure observation and common sense - but, experience counts far more