Question

why does Washington believe that just asking the British government to reduce taxes is the wrong course of action

Answer 1

because he knows they would probably make them higher

Answer 2

George Washington believed that just asking the British government to reduce taxes is the wrong course of action because he knew that there are many colonies like theirs.  

• He believed that the British government has the power to deny the request.
• He believed that only a petition is not enough for the British government.
• So he believed in a military action.