I myself would support 100% inheritance tax

provided that it was matched with 0% income tax. This would reward lifetime enterprise by all, and would prevent anyone from getting an artificial leg up through having talented parents/grandparents/greatgrandparents.

This would be a difficult regime in practice, because it would need strict rules about lifetime gifts. It would also cut against a deep human instinct, which to provide for one's young. But it would be a significant step towards a more meritocratic society in which people are rewarded (or not) primarily by their own talents.

Posted By: Old Git on December 19th 2007 at 18:48:33

Message Thread

FAO PK (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 18:34:29
- While you're at it... (General Chat) - DICKY, Dec 19, 18:49:34
- I myself would support 100% inheritance tax (General Chat) - Old Git, Dec 19, 18:48:33
  - Yay! Promote hedonism amongst the rich ! (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:06:03
    - Part of the beauty of the scheme is that it would increase lifetime spending (General Chat) - Old Git, Dec 19, 19:09:37
      - Yes, and many of the rich would die young from (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:13:06
  - Tax is a good thing though.. when spent correctly. (n/m) (General Chat) - The Editor of Milk, Dec 19, 18:53:11
    - The aim of tax is to raise money for the country as a whole to spend (General Chat) - Poomers Gorn Hoiper, Dec 19, 18:57:24
      - While I am mildly interested to hear your views, I am anticipating the opinions of (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:06:56
        
        He's only a wind up, as you know (General Chat) - Old Git, Dec 19, 19:10:20
        
        Yeah, worth a try though. Like your idea though and find it (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:14:32
        
        I am very much a meritocrat (General Chat) - Old Git, Dec 19, 19:18:19
        
        Can't argue. I do agree. But then I suppose that is easy coming from someone who has (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:20:28
    - That isn't the debate (General Chat) - Old Git, Dec 19, 18:56:17
      - One flaw in that is that everyone would be dead by 40 thru over-consumption (General Chat) - The Editor of Milk, Dec 19, 19:15:22
        
        Well that would solve the porblem of an ageing population! (General Chat) - Old Git, Dec 19, 19:20:18
        
        What about this then... (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:25:36
        
        But what reform do you propose on income tax? (General Chat) - Old Git, Dec 19, 19:30:57
        
        House prices are a problem. Imagine my situation in Holland... (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:35:27
        
        It's ok Steve.... (General Chat) - mike_the_sphinx, Dec 19, 20:57:50
        
        *boggle* (General Chat) - Old Git, Dec 19, 19:40:51
        
        It has character but not much space ! (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:47:47
        
        and as for income tax... (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:39:33
        
        ... (General Chat) - Steve in Holland, Dec 19, 19:17:14
  - "the meek shall inherit the earth" (General Chat) - green n yella beaver, Dec 19, 18:50:15

Reply to Message

In order to add a post to the WotB Message Board you must be a registered WotB user.

If you are not yet registered then please visit the registration page. You should ensure that their browser is setup to accept cookies.