I have never paid my “fair share” of taxes. I’ve always paid infinitely more than my “fair share” (which is zero). I’ve paid loads of taxes. While I don’t agree in principle with taxes, I comply with the law, and I take any deductions that my CPA can find.
When the “Paycheck Protection Program” (PPP) was announced, I encouraged my romantic partner, who is a small business entrepreneur, to take advantage of every available benefit. I explained that it’s the government (not the virus) that is causing incredible damage to her business (and throwing 40 million other people out of work).
The government edicts, business shutdowns, house arrests, and other blunders are causing terrible economic distress (one commentator opined that this shutdown will, in retrospect, probably be considered the greatest political blunder of the century).
If you become unemployed by government action, through no fault of your own, should you not apply for compensation to get something back? You won’t get your job back, but you may get a few months’ worth of income to at least continue to live.
If you’re a small business owner, and your business is greatly harmed or even ruined by government actions, shouldn’t you be compensated just as you would be if your business were robbed or burned down? It may take years for you to get your business back, or you may never get it back at all, but at least you’ll get some relief.
I don’t agree with government bailouts at all in principle, but this isn’t a bailout—it’s compensation, and any individual or organization who opposes the welfare state has a right to it.