Let’s End Taxation without Representation
Everybody in the world should be able to vote. Many nation-states restrict this right, particularly the People’s Republic of China, the largest nation-state currently restricting its citizens from the right to vote while simultaneously collecting tax from them. China comprises approximately 20% of the global population, and in total, only about 20% of the global population can be considered free when it comes to political rights.
This phenomenon, taxation without adequate representation, is a crime against the people. Additionally, there are many other portions of the globe where elections are held for optical reasons, but where free and fair voting is suspect at best.
Elections, despite the poor execution by nation-state governments, provide citizens a sense of ownership and encourage governmental participation. This white paper does not necessarily argue that all representatives need be directly elected nor all legislation be voted upon, but the option for every citizen to participate is a universal right. The fact that a large portion of the globe’s population does not have an active voice in their government under the nation-state regime should ignite the fires of change.
Sources: Freedom in the World| https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world and World Bank| https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL