Larken,

I figured that this would be a subject that you would touch on eventually. I cannot pretend that the option to disobey did not exist for former slaves and does not continue to exist for those being taxed. It does exist in both cases, but many slaves or statist will never understand it as a choice. However, it is not to out of place to express that slavery was a choice or that taxation is voluntary for someone who chooses not to be a slave or statist.

I think the whole point about such a comment is to convey that man always has a choice, but his perception of his circumstances can be muddled in such a way that he sees no alternative. Much like a statist who cannot see past the idea of someone in authority, a slave cannot see the choices that are clearly outlined in front of them as viable ones. Whether it be fear-based or systematically ingrained through generational teaching, it still gives one the illusion of never escaping from its clutches seems very real. A slave or a statist in the truest sense will never see a choice. The moment that he is free from such tyranny the choices become self-evident. At that point, he can either live under slavery or do everything in his power to choose an alternative path. He may die in the struggle to gain freedom, but it is a choice that does exist.

So instead of the simple phrase of slavery is a choice or taxation is voluntary these phrases should be clarified.

Slavery is a choice - that any principled, self-thinking man will wholeheartedly recognize and weigh the options at hand.

Or

Taxation is voluntary -- to the men and women who understand that no individual or government has the right to the products of any one person's labor.

Liberty, Death, or slavery. Those are three clearly distinct choices that people may or may not choose to recognize. Each man and woman must decide for themselves if their drive for freedom outweighs the risks that may occur in fighting for their principles.