Progressive taxation is at the heart of building modern society with a strong middle class and an attempt to maximize social cohesion. It is not a penalty and not a privilege, it is part of living in an advanced society. A society that understands that cross subsidization is the best way to build and ensure community.
arthur -----Original Message----- From: Harry Pollard [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 3:40 AM To: jan matthieu; Ray Evans Harrell; futurework Subject: Re: Luckie Duckie Article Jan, You said: " If someone is clever enough to make people want what they don't need, why would that be 'rewarded' with tax exemption?" Why do you have such a poor opinion of people? If they buy something it's because they want to buy it. How do you know they don't need it? If you have a problem, learn how to resist people trying to sell you something. If someone does for people what they want, it seems ridiculous to fine them for doing so. Yet, we do so. You work harder - you get taxed more. You study so you can use your skills and knowledge to give greater service to others - you get taxed more. You keep your house in good condition - you get taxed more. You let the house degrade into a slum - you get taxed less. It's a silly system - also it's unfair to the people who do most for us. Still, you have it right. You refer a tax exemption as a reward. Which implies you realize that a tax is a penalty. Harry ------------------------------------------------- jan wrote: >From: "Harry Pollard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: "Ray Evans Harrell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "futurework" ><[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Friday, December 06, 2002 9:48 PM >Subject: Re: Luckie Duckie Article > > > > Ray, > > > > I looked for this but couldn't find it. Thanks for the post. > > > > You know my point of view. If someone earns $1 million by supplying the > > people with what they want, he shouldn't be taxed at all. It's potty to > > penalize someone for doing good. > > > >Why would anyone see paying taxes as a punishment? It is the duty of every >citizen to contribute to the common good. Of course 'supplying the people >with what they want' must be taxed. Everyone has his wants and needs, and >the trick is to make people want what you are providing them. If someone is >clever enough to make people want what they don't need, why would that be >'rewarded' with tax exemption? > >Jan Matthieu ****************************** Harry Pollard Henry George School of LA Box 655 Tujunga CA 91042 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: (818) 352-4141 Fax: (818) 353-2242 *******************************
