Posted by alexandra_k on September 3, 2005, at 9:50:58
In reply to What IS needed down South.., posted by jay on September 3, 2005, at 0:00:43
We have what I believe is a similar issue in NZ politics.
We have national on the one hand promising tax breaks to those in the highest income bracket - to be funded by cuts in social services...
We have labour on the other hand promising tax breaks to low / middle income families - and to retain social services...
What I think about...
Is what kind of society I want to live in.
I know that some people think of taxation as a form of stealing...
But the fact is that unless you are a complete social recluse then your society is a huge part of your environment and therefore your quality of life.
Its not just about what you personally get from where you vote...
Its about what other people in your society have too.
And for an example of that...
Think south africa.
Some people are wealthy
With their guns and dogs and barbed wire fences
While others are not.
And the greater the divide between rich and poor
The more the poor are going to feel ripped off...
And the more the rich are going to be ripped off...I'd gladly pay high taxes to live in a society where:
Everybody has a roof over their heads
Everybody has access to education
Everybody has access to health care (incl specialists)
Everybody has enough money to pay for food and toiletries and clothes and other necessities of modern life.
Where you get that for free.
In vitue of being a human being
With needs.And surely everybody was a little kid once...
And had aims goals things they wanted to achieve in life
Little help
Little intervention
Can go a hell of a long way.I think as individuals we benefit from living in such a society.
And yes, that means higher taxes.
Especially for the highest earners.
So long as you get more for working
I don't understand what the problem is.And I reckon...
That the government shouldn't just be about maintaining law and order.
It should be about promoting the health and welfare of all its citizens.
Social responsibility.Get that sorted within a country
And then...
And then...
I'm sure people would love it if you wanted to send some people over to help them sort out their own country.PS and just in case you are still thinking 'whats in it for me' the more people in a society meet basic standards of living (health education nutrition etc) the less crime you have. (either that or people are less likely to get caught ;-)
poster:alexandra_k
thread:550295
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20050728/msgs/550312.html