Since I don't have enough money to actually buy my congressmen (I may have a large portfolio, but not that large), I have to resort to the best means of protest available. My own form of non-violent civil disobedience - mocking the system of doling out others' cash to those that aren't in really need.
So let me get this straight, you are protesting the system that yourself have taken advantage of and engaging in? So you don't have an ethical dilemma at all now? Why did it take so long for you to admit this?
I'm calling BS. I don't really buy it all.. on one hand you're bragging about exploiting these loopholes. Now your protesting it.
All I'm hearing are excuses trying justify some sort of legal theft and blaming everyone (like Congress) but yourself. This is why so many people are against a welfare system, because people like you take advantage of it. It screws it up for the people who actually need it.
Where is this need of which you speak? How do we define "need"? Congress has defined "need", and if we accept their definition, I am in need. I'm okay availing myself of the freely given benefits, while concurrently disagreeing with the system that provides those benefits.
I disagree with most "tax expenditures" (the costs of providing tax credits and deductions):
Here is a good illustration of our tax expenditures:
http://www.economist.com/node/21553473We spend $87 billion per year on the mortgage interest tax deduction. Do we really need to subsidize the overconsumption of McMansions? It wastes resources, hurts the environment, and doesn't even help those most in need (renters and lower income homebuyers with smaller mortgages who can't itemize on their 1040). I would expect that everyone on this forum that disagrees with my usage of the IBR repayment plan would also opt out of the mortgage interest deduction on ethical grounds. After all, you don't need the deduction. Sell your house and move to a cheaper house if you can't afford your mortgage. As a taxpayer, I'm not interested in subsidizing your lifestyle.
Cap gains and dividends - $97 billion/yr. Why is there any difference in this income versus earned income that is taxed at a hugely higher rate (including payroll taxes). Again, on ethical grounds, you don't need the lower tax rate, so treat this income as earned income and pay the higher rate.
Tax free employer provided health insurance - $197 billion/yr - Oh, don't feel like paying taxes on this employer provided benefit? Too bad, you don't need the deduction, so add that amount to your earned income.
On a different note, if you are FI, don't file for social security when the time comes. If you don't need it, why should you bankrupt the system that is designed to provide a social safety net for those in need of support in old age.
Getting into the question of "need" is a very tricky proposition. When it comes to paying taxes or receiving benefits from the government, I focus on what the laws and regulations say. I say that is ethical. If everyone acted in this manner and it was detrimental, we, the people can change the laws (through our representatives). I say that satisfies Kant's categorical imperative and the utilitarian notion of greatest good for all.
Our system of laws outlines the social contract between the people and the government we have created. If there are problems with the laws, don't blame the people for availing themselves of the existing laws. Seek redress of your grievances with the broken system of laws.
To touch on your comment about bragging about my reduced payments and potential forgiveness of debt, I wouldn't characterize it as bragging. I mentioned it because it is an important government program that many here may benefit from. If you consider it unethical to participate in the program, that is your choice, but some may be interested in learning more about it (whether they seek eventual forgiveness of debt or simply assistance with cash flow during periods of low income).
Oddly enough, the government actually spends significant money promoting social programs like the IBR, so I am doing them a free service by promoting their various programs. Think of what a GS-11 or GS-13 social media marketing exec would cost.