GOVERNMENT FALLS

[August1991]

Why have so many countries of Europe found it better to have much higher rates of their GST equivalents and lower taxes of other kinds.

They have achieved far more satisfactory levels of economic equality that way.

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Like in France? Where young people living in suburban HLM just love all the generous social programes the government offers them?

Yes, France is such a civilized and sophisticated country. We North Americans could learn something from how the Europeans have created a true society of equality and civility, a continent where wars no longer exist.

We North Americans are nasty and violent. We are so heathen, and backward. So unprogressive. So capitalistic.

[Guest eureka]

We North Americans, August, have the greatest inequality in the Western World - and compared to most of the rest of the world, too.

We have more violent societies than virtually every European country as a consequence of our levels of absolute as well as relative poverty.

Don't try to take isolated events and make them the arbiters of the level of civility in societies.

shoop, look at sites like the Canadian Conncil for Policy Alternatives and the Canadian Council for Social Development. They will probably answer your questions. I don't get my information from looking at Web sites that might support a bias so I can't give you links without wasting time on unnecessary research.

These facts are well known to anyone who is actually serious about the betterment of society. For taxes, factor in Municipal as well and you will find a much more equitable sharing in all Europe. The poor pay very little and there are far less of the poor. Those who would be living in squalor in our standards are much better supported.

[shoop]

I guess you mean the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives?

Hmmm, you don't get your "information from looking at Web sites that might support a bias" but you direct me to look at a site for an organization whose BC Director is Naomi 'No Logo' Klein's brother? No bias there at all!

shoop, look at sites like the Canadian Conncil for Policy Alternatives and the Canadian Council for Social Development. They will probably answer your questions. I don't get my information from looking at Web sites that might  support a bias so I can't give you links without wasting time on unnecessary research.

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[Guest eureka]

I am suggesting that you look at sites that will likely have specific informatin about the questions you ask. You will not find them from the Fraser or C.D. Howe institutes.

[shoop]

Hmmm, why would I do your reserch for you? I don't believe the facts you are throwing out. I previously worked in an industry which catered to many lower income customers and saw the money that went to smokes and booze. Both subject to the GST.

I am suggesting that you look at sites that will likely have specific informatin about the questions you ask. You will not find them from the Fraser or C.D. Howe institutes.

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