That was about as far as I could get. The rest of the arguement being quoted and paraphrased piece meal I think says enough. I think we'll just have to agree to disagree on this discussion EJ. I don't want to exasperate your angst and get what is otherwise a good thread locked. I stand by my points and leave it at that. Cheers
The way the media and government has been carrying on about half of Gina's comment (which puts it completely out of context) really pi$$es me off. Not that I really care that it's from Gina, or a guy living in a cardboard box. The suggestion was to reduce the minimum wage and reduce the tax rate to compensate. IMHO it is actually a great idea: - minimum wage is reduced, earner pay less tax, but still gets the same amount after tax at the end of the day - business can afford to hire more people, so fewer are on the dole - Gubment still gets tax (a little bit from a lot of people, rather than a lot from a few) and has excess dole money left over to fund next Ministerial pay rise.
You have done this in post #34 so what I'm seeing is a double-standard. But I understand. It is much easier to be an ideologue than it is to rationally evaluate the opinions that you hold, especially when someone challenges what you believe. Let's leave it.
^ I enjoyed the debate I don't necessarily agree with either of you, but it's a good debate to have, and you're both clearly quite intelligent
Swan needs to carve up Gina's assets and distribute it to the australian people, so that we can enjoy spending it. We're not asking for it to be carved up all at once, as that would not be fair. But carving off a slice of about 10% per year would be great. Folks can spend it on new TVs, and the like. Its only fair, we're all in this together, and the wealth must be shared fairly and evenly. Thanks Gina.
I don't think the poorer need to work harder I think everyone needs to work..... People on welfare for 10 years because they can't find a job??? How many people come to Australia and are given a house and put on welfare? All the handouts the govt is giving out. Then at the other end you have people being payed 3, 5, 8 million a year - no one is worth that.
Here here! Whats good is she going to do with that 10% anway. We'll be stimulating the retail economy if it were in our hands!
Isn't that what the government does already to everyone's income, via income tax. My neighbors own their house, and are both on Centerlink payments (have been for past 7 years). They manage to buy big-screen TVs, and go on great holidays.
