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2009-05-07

No Robin Hood now - time has changed

Comments on Michael Stutchbury’s “Robbing the wealthy proves a bit rich”, 7/05/2009, The Australian, http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/currentaccount/index.php/theaustralian/comments/robbing_the_wealthy_proves_a_bit_rich/

If we leave aside the need for the government, both Rudd and Swan to lift their games in managing the economy and federal budget, it seems fairer to have everyone who are affordable to do their bits to share the pain, if we have to have the pain and now it seems unavoidable. Having an equal and proportionate contribution based on assessed taxable income would have the rich to contribute more and perhaps much more per person, so it would be fair. I wouldn't have problems with that. That would be fairer than the government's two previous cash handouts which were done on a run, lack of proper and careful consideration, and were unfair.

Playing Robin Hood against the rich and very possibly including the majority of middle class may seem to be an easy emergency exit in this economic crisis, it will undermine the aspirations of the majority Australians for hard working, strong entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity. It will lower the output and welfare for the whole nation. That, in turn, will harm everyone including the poor in the long run.

Rudd and Swan, please don’t betray the trust of the Australian public and resist the urge and ego to play popularist politics in modern society. Time has changed and we are no longer a primitive society. There is no need for playing Robin Hood any more. Show your leadership.

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