"The states’ methods can be aggressive: Issuing subpoenas to pore through credit card statements, bank transactions or phone records to track a taxpayer’s location, and sending auditors to interview doormen or confirm doctors’ appointments."
"In the People’s Democratic Republic of New York City, the owner of a building covered in graffiti must pay the 'artists' who trespassed on and defaced his property because he whitewashed their 'work,' a clown in a federal gown has decreed. And he must pay a lot: $6.7 million."
"Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis said Anderson flaunted his ill-gotten wealth."
"If New Jersey and Massachusetts approve new millionaires’ taxes, it is difficult to predict how much will be raised and where these funds will ultimately wind up. But if New York and California are any guide, income surtaxes will be destructive. When it comes to higher taxation, interstate migration is just the tip of the iceberg. Higher-tax states, for instance, see less innovative activity and scientific research according to an analysis by economists at the Federal Reserve and UC Berkeley. Any benefits of millionaires’ taxes do not make up for the economic and social toll caused by fewer innovative activities and correspondingly lower job creation."
"The words, 'Brilliant!' 'Ground-breaking!' and 'Visionary!' He recommends: Uniform global taxation; Confiscatory tax on inherited wealth; 15% tax on capital; 80% tax on annual incomes over US$500,000; Enforced transparency on all bank transactions; Overt use of inflation to redistribute wealth downwards. Why didn’t anyone else think o"The words, 'Brilliant!' 'Ground-breaking!' and 'Visionary!' will no doubt be seen in many reviews of Mr. Piketty’s book. He recommends: Uniform global taxation; Confiscatory tax on inherited wealth; 15% tax on capital; 80% tax on annual incomes over US$500,000; Enforced transparency on all bank transactions; Overt use of inflation to redistribute wealth downwards. Why didn’t anyone else think of this brilliant plan? Well actually, they did. In fact, the above is essentially the shopping list of the IMF, the EU, the OECD and, in fact, many of the governments that make up what was formerly described as 'the free world.'" this brilliant plan? Well actually, they did. In fact, the above is essentially the shopping list of the IMF, the EU, the OECD and, in fact, many of the governments that make up what was formerly described as 'the free world.'" Continue reading →
"Switzerland's highest court ruled on Friday that Swiss bank Credit Suisse was free to transfer data to US authorities concerning clients suspected of tax dodging, ending a long series of legal challenges. In its decision, the Alpine country's Federal Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Credit Suisse clients and gave its blessing to a request made in 2011 by Washington for data on clients suspected of evading US taxes. The federal court on Friday ruled that Washington's broad request 'was not a fishing expedition' even though the request did not specifically name the suspected clients." Continue reading →
"A Colorado fruit orchard was ransacked by locals recently after its generous owners decided to open up their private peach grove to the public for a free picking. Don and Marilyn Schanaman were horrified to learn that their benevolent efforts to salvage an undersized peach crop resulted in what can only be described as utter savagery by the lowest members of society, who saw fit to harass the family and even damage their property after the peaches had all been picked." Continue reading →
Members of the Occupy Lincoln group noticed our recent article, “Occupy Lincoln Tipi Smokes and City Ordinances Burn, Officials Fiddle” and left a number of comments there. Because we’ll be referring to some of those comments in the body of this article, we’ve linked directly to them so those who wish may see a particular… more
As I mentioned in our last article about the Occupy movement, I’m aware that a lot of people observing it, especially locally, dismiss those involved, labeling all the participants as “a bunch of dumb kids” who are incoherent and “don’t even know why they are protesting”. Even people who think the occupation of public property… more
So Lincoln, Nebraska has a growing tent Shanty Town, occupied by a band of intentionally helpless Lincolnites. Ironically, Shanty Town Lincoln is located squarely on one of the best spots in the City to serve as a symbol of that city government’s, and therefore, elected officials’ and bureaucrats’ mismanagement of taxpayer dollars for a very… more