Taxation and Resistance

In the late 1760s King George III appointed Charles Townshend to the British Cabinet. One contemporary said that this man had abilities above any man, but judgment beneath any man.

Townshend came to office in a time when the British government was trying to prove a point to its colonies. Colonials believed that the British Parliament could not tax it because Americans had no representation there. The British believed that each Member of Parliament represented the entire empire sufficiently no matter where their district lay.

Townshend tried to raise revenue by passing excise taxes on certain goods thought popular or necessary. Glass, tea, and other items were taxed. Americans were sufficiently roused bythe political nature of the tax. Money would be used to pay colonial governors directly from the British Treasury. Previously the colonial assemblies elected by the people paid these important officials. This taxation had a political goal in mind in reducing the liberty of the people.

Americans responded by refusing to purchase the items, one of the few truly successful boycotts in history. Britain once again was frustrated and angry. However their hands were tied. The government cannot punish people because they refuse to buy something, right?

Today the US Congress is looking at just that. They have proposed a virtual excise tax in the form of compulsory health insurance. Unlike the British they intend to force us to buy it. Like the British their motive is political, transform this country into a bastion of socialism and infringe upon our liberties.

Persistence by the British led to more serious conflict than angry words.