"Contrary to your beliefs most people are not greedy. Most folk willingly pay taxes and give to the needy. Who knows when you or your family might become needy.

Presumably that is not directed at me, because I have expressed no opinion on that subject whatsoever. But if you're talking about "the rich not paying taxes", your own House Of Lords ruled years ago that everyone is entitled to arrange their affairs so as to minimize their taxes. Those with more money have more opportunity to do so, and if they're smart, they take advantage of that. Wealth in the Bahamas? Fine. But then they cannot be residents of "their" country...and must live for most of the year abroad....except for the USA, they tax based on citizenship, not residence. Would you have me pay tax in Britain, even though I don't live there???? If Packer and Murdoch (mentioned above) are not residents of Australia, should they pay taxes there? Ask that same committee if any of Packer's or Murdoch's business in Australia pay or paid taxes there...I'm sure they do. Read Microsoft financial statements and see how much taxes they pay to the US, Washington, and Seattle governments...and to all states and cities where they operate.


Key points to glean from what I said.

1) do not blame the rich for society's ills
2) the best way to improve your life is to take control of it.

period



"A small handout 100% tax deductable to appease is hardly giving away all your money. It is like saying that a serious criminal is OK and does not deserve jail cause he was kind to his mother or bought a charity badge."


Atlas just stopped shrugging in utter amazement at that statement in all that implies. If that's not individual and societal greed for his money, what is?? And how in any context can you compare Gates to a serious criminal?????

But you're in luck if you feel all his money should be given away. Gates and Buffet have both said that most of their wealth will be transferred to his charitable foundation and very little will make it to their children.



If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop