The debate rages on.  Are taxes theft?

Side one:  Sure they are - the only difference is that instead of one individual forcing you to give up your money, it's a group of people elected by mob rule that do the same. It does not make it any less of a theft.  Both use coercion/force as a means of collecting the funds, and both are equally as immoral.

Side two:  Of course not!  Taxes go toward the common good and maintenance of order.  They are collected by a government set up by a people, therefore, it is not a theft to take some of everyone's money for the greater good.