If we don't introduce a GST soon, unemployment will fall anyway...

In association
with Amazon.com

Argument: reflections on value added tax - A. R. Ilersic

5^th February 1999

GST is a TAX

Ofcourse it will. Would you say yes to a tax that promised to provide negative results to you and society?

Taxation is a sanctioned removal of personal property by the state. We are taxed to support the function of government. The arguments about what the role of government should be occupy many minds over time. Supporting the arts, encouraging science, subsidising business and paying politician salaries. Which do we do, and which do we shed?

The GST is a flat tax applied across a broad base. The introduction of a GST will bring personal income tax cuts. A lowering of top taxation brackets. A threat to the progressive taxation system.

Is this good or bad?

Well, my friends it's begining to become a moot point it would seem. The esteemed professor selected by the Democrats to assess the situation has apparantly decided that two things can be concluded:

(1) there is no obvious benefit for introducing a GST, in fact there may well be long term negative effects; and,

(2) If we do have a GST, then food should not be exempt.

Well, well, well. Am I alone in thinking "I could've told you that!".

It aint lookin' very likely that we will get a GST.

Or am I just dreaming?

end of rant.

(C)opyright Sylvano Lucchetti.