What is actualy the difference between a progressive tax rate, and a flat tax rate with a special 'solidarity' tax for the highest earners? What is solidarity when it is forced anyway?

By jp | January 18, 2012 10:02 AM

CDA policy straight of the Tea Party Handbook. Rich get richer, poor get poorer. Populist simplification of the tax system dos not equal tax reform.

By Craig | January 18, 2012 2:13 PM

To Craig, Its about time the "rich" stand up in Holland. In case you haven't noticed the tax bracket for the "rich" is met with a much lower income when compared with this bracket in the US.
Why do I, who slaved myself through higher education, have to pay for those who decided to not educate themselves! I don't mind paying more for the handicap, elderly etc., but not for those individuals who want to pay less because they drive a lorry for a living.

I could have done the same and still take home the same amount as I do now because I am taxed so much!

By Michelle | January 19, 2012 9:26 AM

interesting point Michelle. I consider myself to be a socialist but my sort of socialism is certainly the type I've encountered here. I too believe in paying more taxes in order to supplement lower taxes for the elderly, mentally ill, etc. - but not to 'make up' for those folks that could have done (or could do) better if they tried hard enough. (Craig- I'm not saying this is you, so don't take it personally)

By Bill | January 19, 2012 12:31 PM

Michelle - I went or slaved my way thro uni (actually easiest days of my life)and am well aware that I need to pay for those who maybe didn't get the breaks you and I did eg good upbringing, education etc. I am less selfish though and happy to contribute to society although wish I earned as much as you because then I could afford to go abroad and work for a charity helping poor people world wide. If the world was more full of people who cared about others, it might be a nicer place....ps are you a banker????

By Carol | January 19, 2012 3:56 PM

Carol: there is a very fine line between enabling people to be unmotivated and not have to take initiative for themselves, and supporting them in realistic manner until they can get on their feet. Which side are you on?
I am also a very caring selfless person; after many years I had to really look at why I felt so strongly about social injustice. I had to really think about my motives.

By Bill | January 19, 2012 6:18 PM

@Michelle. I'm a carpenter by trade. I did not "decide not to educate myself" as you so quaintly put it!
I realised I was better at practical subjects & chose to go in that direction.

By Donaugh | January 19, 2012 7:11 PM

You guys do realize that we NEED lorry drivers and toilet cleaners and slaughterhouse workers and sewage workers and insert-other-horrible-job-here?? These kinds of jobs make civilized life possible for the rest of us. It's so hypocritical to shame people for doing a job that allows YOU to continue living your selfish existence!! If EVERYONE were educated, we'd be in a HUGE mess - think outside yourself for a second.

By Stupid | January 19, 2012 7:42 PM