We're a mixed economy -- we have lots of capitalism and a small chunk of socialism. A little more socialism would be nice.
Yes, I am beholden to the gubmint. As you were in many senses and as you still are.
Others are beholden to corporations.
Pick your master.
Either way, I would rather pay this "fine" than pay the whole amount.
And to be honest with myself, I am not especially good at anything (except catching fish and scribbling some words on papers). So even if I did not have this debt, I would likely work for the gubmint anyway, though perhaps in a different capacity.
Also: Your vision of the future seems a bit far fetched. Maybe it is time to write that novel you have always wanted to write.