> Once they define it as stealing, then it's morally indefensible, by definition.
Right, similar to the equivocation around the meaning of earn in this thread. I've started to wonder whether it's possible to push by accepting that framing and then asking for a justification rather than quibbling about what "stealing" is.
Does the highwayman earn his toll or does he steal it?
I doubt it. "Stealing" functions as a thought-terminating cliche; I suspect that very few people will think past it.
Especially amongst those who think of taxes as a form of stealing.
I fear you are right, but I feel like trying it anyway.