Subject:
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Re: IP ( was Re: LP POINT 1
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Thu, 30 Nov 2000 15:49:39 GMT
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Viewed:
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3029 times
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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Scott Arthur writes:
> In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> > (by analogy,
<emphasis>
> > not trying to start a topic:
</emphasis>
But, oh what the heck...
> > I don't approve of
> > paying taxes at the current level, I just go along. I *know* we can have
> > "enough" government (to suit me) for less taxes and I *hope* we can have
> > "enough" for none at all, properly structured, but I go along)
>
> This reminds me of an article I was reading the other day. In 1997 USA tax
> at ~30% of GDP (1999 GDP / cap = $34k) whilst in the UK is was at ~34% (1999
> GDP / cap = $22k) and in Denmark tax is at ~50% (1999 GDP / cap = $24k).
>
> Denmark rejected the Euro this year, partly due to the fact that they feared
> it would result in _lower_ taxes and public services cuts. However, it was
> the narrow margin between the UK/USA which surprised me more. Based on my
> understanding of the differences between UK/US governmental
> education/health/welfare provision I was shocked at the difference - even in
> percentage terms (in $ terms we pay less tax/cap than the USA). The extra
> ~4% has provided me with free healthcare, free education (from pre-school to
> PhD – 23 years) and welfare support. Quite good value for money.
>
> Would you not prefer to find 4% savings in USA system to provide extra
> provision, rather than a tax cut?
Not sure it's an apples to apples. I can argue it the other way round...
rather than the 4% of GDP difference giving you free healthcare, free
education and welfare support... instead, the free gov stuff has given you
$12K/cap less GDP. I like that extra GDP, it's more money in my pocket, and
my money buys more than your does per dollar too.
How do you explain the difference in GDP/cap?
After all, for quite a while the UK way outclassed the US in GDP/cap!!! Sun
never sets on the British (mercantile) empire and all that...
(aside, what was the saying, "the Irish conquer it, the Scots run it and the
English take the credit?")
++Lar
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: IP ( was Re: LP POINT 1
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| (...) It appears I have dug myself a hole. GDP is not a measure of happiness – it is only a measure of the domestic output of a nation. If wealth were uniformly distributed, then it could be used as a measure of happiness – but it is not in the UK, (...) (24 years ago, 30-Nov-00, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: IP ( was Re: LP POINT 1
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| (...) I suppose I approve of the system I work in - I don't profit from it though. (...) This reminds me of an article I was reading the other day. In 1997 USA tax at ~30% of GDP (1999 GDP / cap = $34k) whilst in the UK is was at ~34% (1999 GDP / (...) (24 years ago, 30-Nov-00, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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