A independent tax authority is not undemocratic – it is more democratic
In an act of striking economic naivete and breathtaking historical revisionism, writer Joe Beagelhole marshals the European debt crisis as evidence that allowing political institutions to use a lack of transparency to rack up debt is sustainable, and that we don’t need an independent body making the full cost of fiscal decisions transparent to the public at large.
Well, at least if the author of this column can insult other people like a pretentious prat – then I figure I’m allowed to be equally pretentious (hell I even used his first sentence as the base of mine – in case it wasn’t obvious 😉 )
Let’s ignore his excessive claim that Greece didn’t have a debt problem prior to the crisis – when it did, and the problem was exacerbated by informational issues (something that is key to the article he is criticising).
To be honest, I’m in love with the idea of an independently set tax rate – something that is closely related to the idea that is being criticised. And its not because I’m a dictator and want technocrats to rule my life. The reason I love the idea is that the COST associated with the spending politicians promise is made TRANSPARENT.
By having such an authority, politicians can redistribute and spend – they just have to be elected. By having an authority that states the costs associated with scheme (through the given tax rate), people in society can vote with full information. This IMPROVES the democratic process.
Beaglehole shows himself incapable of thinking about transparency and information with regards to politicians, and accuses other people of being undemocratic for daring to give society more information about government spending. If you ask me, his faith in government officials to just ‘do what is right’ without transparency is more akin to a belief in philosopher kings than anything Mr Worthington stated.
Rates of tax aside, politicians shouldn’t be allowed near tax policy, period. They’re not bright enough – it’s the only topic on my blog anymore: http://tribelesshispursuitofhappiness.blogspot.com/
I find it hard to take anyone seriously who writes in such an attention seeking manner….
I was just about to compliment you on your new-found writing ability too Matt…
@agnitio
I didn’t realise you took me seriously in the first place 😉
@goonix
You know I write like I talk, with long sentences that don’t say anything. If you find anything readable its undeniable that I’ve plagiarised it 😉
@Tribeless
I wouldn’t say they aren’t bright enough per see – more that they are focused on their own incentives, especially the desire to be elected, rather than the interests of society as a whole. For me this all comes down to information – and having an independent tax rate authority improves information and therefore improves the democratic process.
Sounds like we agree btw, I just like to flesh out what I’m thinking 😉
@Matt Nolan
I was referring to the green party staffer who wrote the article responding to Chris…
But you are correct, I struggle to take you seriously, particularly when you wear such tight jeans…
@agnitio
Oww I know, I was just teasing 😉
The ladies love the tight pants, and even when they don’t I love wearing the tight pants – win-win IMO. What sort of accent do I need in order to become more pretentious?
A scouse or geordie accent IMO.
@agnitio
I said pretentious, not awesome …