Taxation and Tribulation!

[Svartmetall]

I found this survey in the international skybar and was interested to see how New Zealanders would vote in it. I apologise for the poor English in each of the descriptions, but I didn't write it. ;)

"Suppose there are four countries, A, B, C, and D. All of these countries use the same currency and have the same purchasing power with these currencies. They also have similar geography, demographics, culture, climate, etc. The only major differences involve income and scope of government.

Country A has a median household income of $50,000/year. The top 10% earns more than $150,000/year and the bottom 25% earn less than $10,000/year. There are no minimum wages, no universal healthcare, almost nonexistent taxes, and no regulations on businesses.

Country B has a median household income of $40,000/year. The top 10% earn more than $100,000/year and the bottom 20% earn less than $20,000/year. There is a minimum wage set at $10,000/year for full time workers. There is limited free healthcare for people living below a certain income level, a moderate level of taxes and a moderate level of regulations on businesses.

Country C has a median household income of $40,000/year. The top 5% earns more than $80,000/year and the bottom 10% earn below $25,000/year. There is a minimum wage around 15000$ per year, free universal healthcare and education, moderate to high taxes, and a moderate number of regulations on businesses with a focus on environmental and consumer safety.

Country D has a mandated household income of $10,000/year. Everyone earns the same thing. The government owns everything and provides free health care."

[Svartmetall]

Oh, and it would be interesting for each of you to justify your choices if you don't mind doing so. Here, I'll start. :)

I chose country C. I'm a firm believer in equal shares and equal chances for everyone without punishing the rich too much. I also believe in equal access to health for everyone regardless of income - though I do prefer the model whereby your national insurance (or state contribution to health) is a percentage of your income so that the rich do end up paying slightly more to help subsidise the poor. Free education is a must as no one can afford to be left behind. I also agree with a very generous minimal wage as I have had to work on the minimum wage in this country, and it was incredibly difficult to survive financially so a generous one is a must.

I also firmly believe in tight corporate controls to ensure environmental awareness and ensuring consumer safety.

In my opinion, some of the most successful countries in the world are those that follow the path of country C - all the nordic countries, France, Germany, and perhaps the UK to some extent- all countries which are gaining stable economies whilst paying off international debt compared to countries like the USA (model A/B) are increasing their debt and forming a false economy based upon consumer spending and private debt.

[Rooty]

I suspect this exercise forces many potential B voters into C, based on B's lack of universal healthcare. Those who support universal healthcare can still differ wildly in their political beliefs. B should've specified a two-tier system (with a basic level of health care given to all, regardless of income), forgetting the example of the USA which has just what they describe.

[Milan Luka]

Yeah the lack of healthcare would get most people to think hard about voting b or c. Ive opted for b, if I read it correctly I think c gives the option for too many people to let the state take care of all their needs. I was tempted to hit A actually but then recent experiences in countries less fortunate than New Zealand (Bosnia, the States) proved to me that a decent welfare system is necessary- at least for the disabled, mentally ill, accident and trauma victims etc.
Strange to lump Bosnia and the States in the same grouping.

[Svartmetall]

I'm not so sure that option B is such a fallacy - NZ is sort of inbetween B and C in as much as you do pay for certain healthcare, it's not all free and therefore it's perfectly acceptable for someone to vote B.

I don't think I could ever live in an "extreme" either way - A or D sound awful in my opinion.

[SYDNEY]

I go for C

[dubious]

I voted B. I think it's important that healthcare is provided by the state to those who are unable to afford private care. People earning above the threshhold would likely hold private health insurance anyway.

The median income at $40k and the top 10% earning over $100k sounds like a relatively successful economy.

[Rooty]

I voted B. I think it's important that healthcare is provided by the state to those who are unable to afford private care. People earning above the threshhold would likely hold private health insurance anyway.

I wanted to choose B (where I generally lean), but thought the scenario would entail a US-style healthcare system whereby the lower-middle class just above the threshold can't afford insurance. That's the only thing that killed B for me.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

B and a half. :nuts:

Fuck D!