.........a very happy Paul, and a very sore Peter. Andy Driscoll wrote: "It's insane that we charge exactly the same taxes to people living next door to each other, regardless of their incomes and ability to pay. I see no justification in such regressive taxation."
Mark Anderson wrote: "One of the major benefits of a progressive tax system is to mitigate the power of the wealthy by taking some of their wealth away. ........land ownership rights should be weaker than other property rights because the owner obviously did not create the land, or pay anyone else to create the land........." Vicky Heller replies: My oh my, where should I start? First of all. Property is purchased with money left over after income taxes have already been paid. EXCEPTION: Minneapolis Real Estate Developers. Their vast assets and real estate empires are paid for by unwitting taxpayers. Second. Have you guys forgotten what property taxes are supposed to pay for? Fire and police protection, parks, libraries, streets, sanitation. That's about it. These services are supposed to be provided equally to everyone - rich and poor. Third. If you want to change our property tax system into another "transfer of wealth" (welfare) system, you need to introduce legislation over at the State House. Fourth. Here is an easy way to understand the math for our current "income" tax system: Ten men go to a restaurant every night for dinner. The bill for all ten comes to $100. The first four men would pay nothing; the fifth would pay $1; the sixth would pay $3; the seventh $7;the eighth $12; the ninth $18. The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59. OK you two - how would you make these numbers "more fair." Keith Reitman wrote: "I have a request for Victoria: Could you explain further how our Civic Leaders might "apply this logic to housing developers too." Vicky replies: I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with unarmed persons. However, I will continue my mission to get all of those Peters out there to rise up and unite! Vicky Heller Cedar-Riverside and North Oaks _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
