In the 21st Century, we find it hard to understand the feudal system that controlled the world before 1800.
You need to know.
The kings literally owned their countries. They ceded portions to the nobles, who then ran fiefdoms and paid taxes to the kings for the privilege.
1/8
You need to know.
The kings literally owned their countries. They ceded portions to the nobles, who then ran fiefdoms and paid taxes to the kings for the privilege.
1/8
The nobles collected taxes from the farmers and tradesmen by hiring tax collectors, who bid against each other for the opportunity. Contracts went to the bidder who promised to rake in the highest take. They shook down the People, took a cut, and gave the rest to the nobles.
2/8
2/8
The nobles then paid what they owed to the king.
This is why "taxes" and "tax collectors" are so hated, even today. There is a cultural memory of this feudal protection racket, where the collectors would hire armed thugs to shake down tradesmen and steal what they could.
3/8
This is why "taxes" and "tax collectors" are so hated, even today. There is a cultural memory of this feudal protection racket, where the collectors would hire armed thugs to shake down tradesmen and steal what they could.
3/8
This is the form of "government" against which the founders of America revolted. The Constitution exists to protect The People from that sort of despotism, and to put all decisions about running the country into the hands of The People instead of the nobles and the king.
4/8
4/8
Fast forward to today's Republican Party. They support the idea of "individual freedom," which to them means the power of corporations to control your lives and your employment, and to make laws to enhance their own wealth and influence.
5/8
5/8
It's no coincidence that Republican changes to tax law always involve reducing taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations (the new nobility), reducing benefits given to the common folk, and, over time, =increasing= the share of taxes borne by common laborers.
6/8
6/8
The Constitution does NOT exist (as Republican propaganda would have you believe) to limit the power of government. The Constitution puts the government into the hands of The People, and gives The People =absolute power=.
7/8
7/8
No, the Constitution exists to limit the power of the nobility--the very people whom the Republican Party worships and seeks to enrich.
The Constitution exists to protect us from Republicans.
This is another reason history is no longer taught in schools.
8/8
The Constitution exists to protect us from Republicans.
This is another reason history is no longer taught in schools.
8/8
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
