What is “Politics of envy”?
Discussion
NJH said:
The argument that one is taxed twice is a bit of a silly argument, we are taxed multiple times over all through our lives every time we purchase something with VAT on it, taxed on your pension etc. etc.. If this was the argument against inheritance tax it would be best placed on reducing or abolishing VAT.
That's a silly argument in itself. Just because we do get double taxed is not an argument for more of the same. The politicians would happily take all of it if we let them.There was a time when only some paid only a tithe.
For me Corbyn epitomises the politics of envy. Despite attending one of the best schools in the UK his qualifications and ability meant that he wasn’t really capable of even building a middle class lifestyle in most vocations. He fell into Marxism not because he either understands or believes it’s fundamental principles but due to his bitterness towards those more capable than he, who can and have built middle class and better lives for themselves. He’d prefer equality of poverty to parity of opportunity (and that’s just what he’d deliver in power), such is his resentment.
grumbledoak said:
Very variable and subjective. For most of history we didn't work 9-5 fifty weeks a year just to eat. We didn't work until the start of June before we could keep a single penny of it.
We don't now. My personal grocery bill for a week + lunches at work is about 3 hours after tax pay, and that includes paying sandwich shop staff to make my lunch for me. djohnson said:
For me Corbyn epitomises the politics of envy. Despite attending one of the best schools in the UK his qualifications and ability meant that he wasn’t really capable of even building a middle class lifestyle in most vocations. He fell into Marxism not because he either understands or believes it’s fundamental principles but due to his bitterness towards those more capable than he, who can and have built middle class and better lives for themselves. He’d prefer equality of poverty to parity of opportunity (and that’s just what he’d deliver in power), such is his resentment.
Exactly this.grumbledoak said:
NJH said:
The argument that one is taxed twice is a bit of a silly argument, we are taxed multiple times over all through our lives every time we purchase something with VAT on it, taxed on your pension etc. etc.. If this was the argument against inheritance tax it would be best placed on reducing or abolishing VAT.
That's a silly argument in itself. Just because we do get double taxed is not an argument for more of the same. The politicians would happily take all of it if we let them.There was a time when only some paid only a tithe.
But picking on double hit taxation as being the key argument against inheritance tax is not a good argument when the most damaging form of double taxation (because of its regressive nature) is VAT.
Personally I would like to see all forms of double hit taxation reduced as far as possible.
djohnson said:
For me Corbyn epitomises the politics of envy. Despite attending one of the best schools in the UK his qualifications and ability meant that he wasn’t really capable of even building a middle class lifestyle in most vocations. He fell into Marxism not because he either understands or believes it’s fundamental principles but due to his bitterness towards those more capable than he, who can and have built middle class and better lives for themselves. He’d prefer equality of poverty to parity of opportunity (and that’s just what he’d deliver in power), such is his resentment.
And you know this how? Or is it just a suggestion that suits your viewpoint and validates an entrenched position?avinalarf said:
A few generalisations on this complex and divisive subject.....
It is failure of government that encourages the politics of envy.
The failure to provide a reasonably level playing field that allows the populace a reason to strive,to work hard and play by the rules, and provide for themselves and their family.
Agree. The fact that my 3 person company pays more corparation tax than Starbucks tells me the playing field is most certainly is not level.It is failure of government that encourages the politics of envy.
The failure to provide a reasonably level playing field that allows the populace a reason to strive,to work hard and play by the rules, and provide for themselves and their family.
biggbn said:
djohnson said:
For me Corbyn epitomises the politics of envy. Despite attending one of the best schools in the UK his qualifications and ability meant that he wasn’t really capable of even building a middle class lifestyle in most vocations. He fell into Marxism not because he either understands or believes it’s fundamental principles but due to his bitterness towards those more capable than he, who can and have built middle class and better lives for themselves. He’d prefer equality of poverty to parity of opportunity (and that’s just what he’d deliver in power), such is his resentment.
And you know this how? Or is it just a suggestion that suits your viewpoint and validates an entrenched position?biggbn said:
And you know this how? Or is it just a suggestion that suits your viewpoint and validates an entrenched position?
You say entrenched position like it's a bad thing. I don't mind admitting to an entrenched position opposed to Nazis, Communists, their lackeys and apologists. fblm said:
You say entrenched position like it's a bad thing. I don't mind admitting to an entrenched position opposed to Nazis, Communists, their lackeys and apologists.
Thanks man, appreciate the reply. Entrenched views regards such things as evil, division, inequality, no problem with those. djohnson said:
The key is the first two words of my text which make it clear it’s my opinion. I do have a strongly entrenched position on Corbyn that he and his current front bench would be an economic calamity for the UK if ever they came to power, this is based on much more than opinion.
Thanks for your reply, much appreciatedbiggbn said:
djohnson said:
The key is the first two words of my text which make it clear it’s my opinion. I do have a strongly entrenched position on Corbyn that he and his current front bench would be an economic calamity for the UK if ever they came to power, this is based on much more than opinion.
Thanks for your reply, much appreciated
grumbledoak said:
Very variable and subjective. For most of history we didn't work 9-5 fifty weeks a year just to eat. We didn't work until the start of June before we could keep a single penny of it.
Very true. If you were a serf, you would work much longer hours, and not get paid at all, just allowed to keep some of the food you grew. Victorian working hours were about 70 a week.
wisbech said:
Very true. If you were a serf, you would work much longer hours, and not get paid at all, just allowed to keep some of the food you grew.
Victorian working hours were about 70 a week.
Medieval peasantry worked about 150 days per year. Hunter gatherers, whether first peoples or our own ancestors, even less.Victorian working hours were about 70 a week.
grumbledoak said:
wisbech said:
They weren’t very good times though.
Very variable and subjective. For most of history we didn't work 9-5 fifty weeks a year just to eat. We didn't work until the start of June before we could keep a single penny of it.popegregory said:
Isn’t the underlying issue true though that a lot of the envy stems not from some having things that others do not, but from some having opportunities provided that others did not; thus making it impossible for them to get these things?
When you say "opportunities" I guess you mean opportunities created by a wealthy upbringing. So how do you remove such opportunities without removing parents' ability to give their children the best start in life?
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