why limited government is neccessary.

Here's as good an example as I've ever seen as to why governments must be limited in a free country.

The one-room cabin David Bischoff built in a cow pasture three years ago has no electricity, no running water, no phone service and no driveway. What it does have is a wide-open view of nearby hills and distant mountains _ which makes it seven times more valuable than if it had no view, according to the latest townwide property assessment. He expects his property taxes to shoot up accordingly.

Bischoff and other Orford residents bitterly call that a "view tax," and they are leading a revolt against it that has gained support in many rural towns in New Hampshire.

State officials say there is no such thing as a "view tax" _ it is a "view factor," and it has always been a part of property assessments. The only change is that views have become so valuable in some towns that assessors are giving them a separate line on appraisal records.

Taxing property based on the view?  View value to be determined by some county assessor weenie at whim?  There are some things that just can't be allowed to stand in a free country, this has to be one of them.  Some powers must be limited, the power to tax more than most because it so directly affect the right to own property.  Where are your rights if the taxes skyrocket on your previously worthless property?

The Limited Phantom