[LINK] Why so many of us think we're overtaxed

[Craig Sanders]

On Tue, Feb 25, 2003 at 11:01:34AM +1100, Chris Maltby wrote:
> As Mr Gittins implies, taxation is a matter of perception as much as
> anything. You obsess about the amount of money going "out" of your pay
> packet, but you're not looking at what you get in both tangible and
> intangible benefits for it. Yes, there's the dole, but there's also a
> pretty fair public health system and a large number of government
> services you just don't get in the USA (though our present government
> has other ideas about their desirability). I could go on...

the trouble is that taxes are being increased while services are being
cut.

i'd have no problem with being taxed if services were maintained or
improved.  i like living in a society where there's a welfare safety net
for everyone, it makes for a much more pleasant and much safer country
to live in.....and i really don't care that much about the handful of
people who "scam" the system by getting the dole without putting in much
effort looking for work.  they're far less a drain on the economy than
the corporate parasites (in fact, they stimulate the economy because
most of their dole is spent on rent or in local businesses).  there
isn't much work available to look for, anyway...for any job, there are
dozens of applicants and it's better that the job go to someone keen &
enthusiastic than to someone who's only applying for fear they'll be
breached by the DSS.

some of these people are basically unemployable anyway (whether innately
or due to the effects of long-term unemployment).  no matter what job
they apply for, they're not going to get it.  i'd prefer to see them
looked after and supported by society rather than marginalised and
alienated.


> Now all we need to do is convince the tycoons to pay their share
> without grumbling...

yep.

craig

-- 
craig sanders <cas@taz.net.au>

Fabricati Diem, PVNC.
 -- motto of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch