[paraclete]

I don't understand your point

[talaniman]

You cannot support the functions of government without a system of taxation.

[jlisenbe]

For the wealthy, the government takes their word about what they throw in the basket

Not sure what you mean there. Are you saying the feds don't keep up with what the wealthy pay in taxes?

[paraclete]

You cannot support the functions of government without a system of taxation.

Income tax is a recent innovation

[jlisenbe]

Income tax is a recent innovation

True. Had to pass a constitutional amendment to allow it here. It started as something like a 1% tax on the wealthy. To put in mildly, it has grown. Oh, for the good ole days.

[talaniman]

Income tax is a recent innovation

If by recent you mean 1902?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax_in_Australia

The first income tax in Australia was imposed in 1902 by Queensland.^[1]Federal income tax was first introduced in 1915, as a wartime measure to help fund Australia’s war effort in the First World War.

[jlisenbe]

Wouldn't it be nice if we could get the feds back to consuming a mere 20% of GDP? Amazing how much more money would be available for efficient use in the economy.

[paraclete]

If by recent you mean 1902?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax_in_Australia

Yes That's what I mean. Income tax was supposed to be a temporary measure and when the federal government took over all taxation we were told income tax would be abolished before the new millennium. No matter how many modifications there have been to the system we are as far away from that goal as ever

[jlisenbe]

when the federal government took over all taxation we were told income tax would be abolished before the new millennium.

Good grief, Clete. How old are you?? Your mind is amazingly sharp for a man so old. (note: joking)

[talaniman]

Wouldn't it be nice if we could get the feds back to consuming a mere 20% of GDP? Amazing how much more money would be available for efficient use in the economy.

Never took you for a hopeless romantic before.

[paraclete]

Good grief, Clete. How old are you?? Your mind is amazingly sharp for a man so old. (note: joking)

Yes I am amazingly sharp for my 76 years, Tal, but you see certain statements are not lost to history, and as an accountant I am acutely aware of tax matters, that is why I can say with conviction taxation is theft, politician condoned theft. It is a neat package, telling us of the benefits which never quite materialise. It was even used in France in an attempt to bring about climate change, but the religious fanatics of the AGW lie must not succeed, we cannot be taxed to achieve scientific myth

[talaniman]

Yes I am amazingly sharp for my 76 years, Tal, but you see certain statements are not lost to history, and as an accountant I am acutely aware of tax matters, that is why I can say with conviction taxation is theft, politician condoned theft. It is a neat package, telling us of the benefits which never quite materialise. It was even used in France in an attempt to bring about climate change, but the religious fanatics of the AGW lie must not succeed, we cannot be taxed to achieve scientific myth

Yes I often agree with your logic Clete, but must disagree that taxes are theft simply because they often serve a purpose for a bigger picture especially in a country like France that have bigger issues than climate change to address. It cannot be ignored nor can the social challenges of sluggish economics. Macron is challenged for sure, but it's not entirely his fault but he is the LEADER right?

I think we have enough data to know a raise in taxes that doesn't go for the general population, is not very well received, just as a cut in taxes that the general population cannot feel is just as bad an idea.

PS

JL complimented your sharp mind, not me, though we agree on that.