We have Einstein, we have Elvis, but who's the other guy?

[airdrik]

Uh... no. Then when you talk about switching to taxi's, people would probably think you we're building either the superhighways, or capitolization (taxes).

Edward, You do bring up an interesting point, though on these forums you could just try to remember to capitolize SAMs and don't capitolize uncle sams.

[Blaupanzer]

Taxes precipitated the revolt of nobles that led to the Magna Carta (signed by Prince John, for whom the Sherrif of Nottingham worked). Taxes precipitated the American Revolution (Boston Tea Party, King George). Taxes were a strong aspect in the call for the legislature that eventually set off the French Revolution (Salt taxes, King Louis). Compared to these, I challenge anyone to think of a positive moment in history related to collecting taxes. If there is one, the collecter is a hero worty of a label. Othererwise, those little guys are taxers (singular: taxer).

[airdrik]

Your problem is you are looking at him from the point of view of the person being taxed. In civ, though, you are the ruler, and the reciever of all the money that your wonderful tax collectors (uncle sams ) have collected from your loyal subjects.

[Smokey tha nuke man]

call him the fed. and make him more menacing. make hi clothes darker, and see if you can give him evil looming eyes.

hey here's and idea; make him a little devil, only green. you like?

[debeest]

Blaupanzer, those WERE positive moments in history! Tax collectors bring out the best in the citizenry....

I like some of the ideas you folks have suggested, but I think we should call 'em Gateses. That seems to be where most of the money goes....

[Blaupanzer]

debeest is right. Gateses (plural); Gates (singular). Then we can argue whether that's a good thing (as if ...) or a bad thing!

[AustralianJeremy]

I reckon Greenspans is about right. Rocks isn't bad either. I have no idea why it should be "Uncle Sam". What's U.S. got to do with tax, except that he personifies a government which collects tax? By that logic we could pick any national leader - but I don't think it would fit in a game like Civ where you are not always playing America. It would be weird having Uncle Sams in an Australian government, anyway. (Although, since Malcolm, maybe not as weird as it should be).

Also, Uncle Sam wasn't a real person: Einstein and Elvis were, so it's not a good match.

[AlrightyThen]

How about Mr. GreedyBloodSuckingPieceOfGarbage?

[Didymus]

How about Levi? Matthew, as in 'Gospel of ~', was also known as Levi, and was a tax collector before he became an apostle. Also, it resembles 'levy' as in 'levy taxes.' Presumably, unless you modified the game so that Calvin Klein jeans were a trade good, no one would be confused by being told that you made Levis (Leviim).