[com2kid]

Strange how democratic societies have taxation while dictatorships have shake downs and bribery payments to local officials.

I rather appreciate paying a regular, well known, fees instead of having to hand out bribes left and right to get things done.

Arbitrary bribes to keep government running is insanely inefficient. Taxes are a much more efficient system that lets civil servants get paid (a transparent wage!) and let's me get things done in my day to day.