Thoreau's Paragrap Paragraph 36

Thoreau most objects to the funding of war against Mexico and the federal government's policies on slavery. He did not object merely because of slavery, but because someone had to act. Thoreau declared he refused to take part in “alliance ot the State” but instead “to withdraw and stand aloof from it effectually” (952). He argues that he much rather go to jail, instead of paying unfair taxes to fund the Mexican War which citizens believed was a plot to expand southern slavery into the north. Thoreau does not only call for resistance, but for the right actions to be taken by the people. He implied he would continue to object these policies until the government ended its unjust actions.
6. In paragraph 36, Thoreau distinguishes among different types of taxes. Why? …show more content…
He does not oppose taxes that will help the community, but he does oppose those which will only benefit the state. Thoreau continues to maintain from involving himself with the government, his idea is to “simply wish to refuse allegiance to the State, to withdraw and stand aloof from it effectually.” (952). He claims he will not trace where his tax money goes, but he will trace who he is giving it to. This being alleged, Thoreau claims to quietly declare war on the State for their unjust system of securing taxes. He believes there are certain taxes that are vital, such as those that go to schools and the education of his fellow people, but that there are also those that unlawfully go to the pure benefit of the