[MD] On taxes

[Arlo Bensinger]

[Arlo previously]
And second, there are many loopholes for the wealthy to avoid paying a 
"fair share" of a "fair tax". Meaning that while the lower socio-economic 
incomes would likely have to pay a full 10% (or whatever the flat tax rate 
was) of their income, while those on the higher side have access to 
off-shore accounts, investments, funds, etc, that could "hide" part of 
their income.

[Platt]
Proper laws could close the loopholes that concern you.

[Arlo]
Hypothetically. There are supposed to be laws in place now. But somehow 
loopholes are invariably found (or is it inevitably?). Plus, laws require 
lawyers, and money to draft, enact and enforce. And god knows each new 
round of politicos would try to change the language to create benefits for 
someone.

And, I know this will likely reinstigate the "Arlo the Gulag Commander", 
but were I to support a "fair tax", I'd also support eliminating taxes 
altogether on the lowest 5% of incomes. This is not punishment for the 
"rich", but it reflects that the rich are the recipients of more tax-based 
services (see my note to Craig last week), not to mention social 
legislation designed to provide inheritance. No tax on the lowest 5% would, 
I'd argue, encourage "property ownership", and the movement "out" of the 
lowest 5%. (By the way, 5% is just an arbitrary number I am using, I'm not 
saying it HAS to be 5%, just using that number to make a point).

[Platt]
Perhaps we can agree on Boortz's proposal for a "Fair Tax" based on 
consumption I would have to learn the details of both the Forbes and the 
Boortz proposals before commenting further.

[Arlo]
I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of the Boortz proposal, but I have 
found that Jim Cox (a libertarian who argues strongly for abolishing the 
minimum wage) has raised concerns. 
(http://www.lewrockwell.com/cox/cox8.html). I'll see if I can find the time 
to look at it more closely.

[Platt]
In principal I agree. But I have to learn more about bankruptcy laws and 
their effects to say for certain that both individuals and corporations 
should be treated the same.

[Arlo]
Fair enough.

[Platt]
Me too. What other term can we use to indicate intellectuals? 
"Rationalists" perhaps?

[Arlo]
Let's move this over to Scott's recent (recast of the) thread.

[Arlo previously]
I'd agree, but that points us back to "intellectuals". And it points back 
to how a society is shaped by its foundational metaphysics (because 
philosophy is never "absolute", it is cultural, and it is never reality, 
only a metaphor for reality). You will always have disagreement, as I doubt 
you'd find universal consensus on any philosophy, and that does have
us being told by certain "intellectuals" what is or isn't legitimate based 
on THEIR understanding of philosophy.

[Platt]
Yes, it's a puzzle with all sorts of inputs. But I wouldn't say it's always 
just "cultural' unless you consider logic and it's companion mathematics 
purely cultural. I'm with Plato on the existence of a higher order and 
reality beyond culture. As for absolutes, well we've been down that 
contentious road many times. I say there are, others think not.

[Arlo]
I think mathematics is cultural in the sense of "polar versus Cartesian 
coordinates". And, as Pirsig said about the law of gravity, it doesn't 
exist no where except in people's heads. This is not to restart a previous 
dialogue, just to say that (IMHO) the expressions of whatever higher order 
beyond culture exists is always cultural. If that makes sense. But, the 
point for here is "who's" interpretation of philosophy proves something is 
"legitimate" (function of government) for me and you and the man behind the 
tree?

[Platt]
Depends on how you define "community" That's another word, like 
"intellectual" that's often bandied about without a clear meaning, and for 
political purposes, e.g., the Hispanic community.  That said, I'm not in 
favor of letting homes burn down, or killing unborn babies for that matter.

[Arlo]
Well, I think I was referring to a "geographic" location set by township or 
municipality boundaries. But you are right, community is a problematic word 
as well.

Arlo