A conservative defense of progressive taxation (support, percentage, world, pay)
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"And unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required." - Luke 12:48
Apart from arguments about raising taxes and what constitutes just and unjust tax rates, I think it's important to defend the principle of progressive taxation. The wealthy have both an interest in maintaining a system that facilitated their accumulation of wealth, and an obligation to ensure that the system works for everyone else as well. Therefore progressive taxation is not unjust, in fact it's a healthy development for any society that recognizes existing inequalities of privileges and obligations. The wealthy should pay more for the maintenance of the common good.
So, let's get this out in the open: progressive taxation is about inequality. Contrary to its defenders on the left, however, it is not a tool to eliminate or reduce inequality, but a tool that manages and even affirms inequality. That's a good thing. Real conservatives don't shrink from natural inequalities. To whom much is given, much is required.
Last edited by WesternPilgrim; 12-20-2012 at 02:57 PM..
Well, that verse doesn't really speak to progressive taxation. Otherwise, it would have said to whom much is given, a greater percentage of that is required than of those to whom not as much is given.
A better quote supporting progressive taxation would be "From each according to his ability. To each according to his need."
Well, that verse doesn't really speak to progressive taxation. Otherwise, it would have said to whom much is given, a greater percentage of that is required than of those to whom not as much is given.
A better quote supporting progressive taxation would be "From each according to his ability. To each according to his need."
Sounds like something some damn commie would write.
Well, that verse doesn't really speak to progressive taxation. Otherwise, it would have said to whom much is given, a greater percentage of that is required than of those to whom not as much is given.
It's a life principle that speaks to progressive taxation along with many other things.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AV8n
A better quote supporting progressive taxation would be "From each according to his ability. To each according to his need."
But that's not from the Bible.
I think that's a completely different idea. Progressive taxation is for the sake of the common good. The common good might include some wealth redistribution, but it's much more than that.
And don't forget that in justifying his schema Marx was cleverly drawing from the Bible:
"And all they that believed, were together, and had all things in common. Their possessions and goods they sold, and divided them to all, according as every one had need." - Acts 2:44-45
"For neither was there any one needy among them. For as many as were owners of lands or houses, sold them, and brought the price of the things they sold, And laid it down before the feet of the apostles. And distribution was made to every one, according as he had need." - Acts 4:35
Take care that in rejecting Marx, as you should, you are not also rejecting divine revelation.
Also, there's a difference between earning and being 'given'.
True, but there isn't anyone on the planet who has what he has due to pure merit. Even the ability to earn - deriving from talent, intelligence, opportunity, place of birth, etc. - is something involuntarily given and received. And rewards are seldom equal. Equality of effort does not translate into equality of reward. The difference is unearned.
Don't know too much about it other than it has been condemned by the Church. From what I've read, it's very materialistic and "this worldly", focusing on bringing about a perfect society (however defined) to the neglect of faith and the salvation of souls. Also incorporates some un-Catholic ideas of equality.
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