Bob Jones: Taxation

There’s one great truth about tax and that is a universal belief in taxing the other fellow but for easily thought up reasons, not one’s-self.

That said, there’s a general consensus that the uncertainty of constantly tampering with the tax system is undesirable and yet that is what we endure from our politicians, driven solely by what they perceive will most garner them support.

To improve our tax knowledge and in particular politician’s awareness, it would be hugely desirable if every MP, now and hereafter was given a copy of Paul Goldsmith’s brilliant 2009 book “We Won; You Lost; Eat That”.

This was a quote (taken out of context) by Michael Cullen, a great pity as it made light of an outstanding and highly readable history of taxation in New Zealand and the various pressures driving change.

Before entering Parliament Goldsmith was a historian, authoring many books including commissioned biographies. He’s now a senior National MP and will soon be a Cabinet minister.

Although I don’t know him, albeit I’ve met him casually at functions, I rate him as one of our best politicians by a very long way as he’s incapable of speaking without talking sense. I doubt he will get it but ideally he would be our next Welfare Minister and put an end to the huge parasitical element living off their fellow citizens.

Sir Bob Jones is a renowned author, columnist , property investor, and former politician, who blogs at No Punches Pulled HERE.