One problem with wealth-tax proposals is that they are more focused on eliminating the rich than actually feeding the poor

 

Answering The Economist's question whether wealth should be taxed, a reader points out something about popular pop songs:

Ten Years After had a hit song in 1971 with “I’d Love to Change the World”. The lyrics included the line, “Tax the rich, feed the poor, 'til there are no rich no more.” Interestingly, the song did not say 'til there are no poor no more. One problem with wealth-tax proposals is that they are more focused on eliminating the rich than actually feeding the poor. And on that point, the chorus of that song is also telling: “I’d love to change the world, but I don’t know what to do, so I’ll leave it up to you.” Enough said.

paul greenberg

Brookline, Massachusetts