|
| |
|
Taxation and Direct Democracy
The only way that citizens can make sure that politicians do not
raise taxes over their heads it the introduction of facultative
and/or mandatory
referenda about any changes in tax rates or the introduction of new
taxes. Taxation is (next to Liberty) the area where politicians can exert to
most direct influence on citizen's lives. Not for nothing it was questions
of tax that lead to the start of the American War of Independence. So if
Direct Democracy should be involved it has to be in all matters concerning
tax. The threat of citizen action will also be a healthy deterrent to ill-conceived
spending plans and any tinkering with the tax system.
Including all duties, levies, direct
and indirect taxes the average family in the United Kingdom (and
many other 'developed' countries) spends more than half its
earnings on taxes.
Compared to the 'horrible' Middle Ages when farmers were supposed to
be heavily oppressed by their landlords this is a staggering amount
and could be termed a modern form of slavery.
The main reason for this sorry state of affairs is the lack of
democratic consultation of the citizens and the centralisation of
all fiscal decisions in a government where division of powers is
unknown and lobbies and party bureaucracies are not accountable to
the majority of affected taxpayers.
In addition, contrary to the constant affirmation of equal rights as
the modern-day religion the tax laws are highly discriminatory and
arbitrary.
The political
establishment to the left and right admits that there is no willingness to
reduce spending in the bloated public sector. The interests of their clientele
come first and the taxpayer does not have a chance to have a say on this tax
rise - or any other increase in taxes, fees or other forced contributions
exacted by the rulers - as both dominant parties sing to the same
hymn sheet.
Only explicit referendums on the introduction of taxes or changes in tax rates
will prevent this abuse of democratic process.
Parties during election
campaigns and Governments regularly use misleading and false tax and spending
estimates to frighten the electorate.
The only way to bring abusive election propaganda to a halt and reign in
uncontrolled public spending is to give the voters final say over all tax and
spending measures.
Voters should have the right to accept or reject each new tax or change in
the level of tax that is imposed. All the proceeds of the tax should be
earmarked - as much as possible - for spending on particular purposes.
If the citizens have the ultimate say about how taxes are raised, and at what
level, the constant fight over the distribution of tax and spending proposals
would be reduced and a more rational and objective way to reach spending
decisions would be possible.
Even on routine tax laws and spending decisions that were necessary for the
running of government functions on a daily basis and unlikely to be
controversial politicians would be more careful as there would always be the
danger that the citizens would initiate a referendum if the interests of
important segments of society are neglected. |
| |
|
By giving the
reader examples of recent policy decisions we highlight the dramatic
impact the introduction of Direct Democracy would have on the
political life of all countries.
All the following decisions where taken without the participation of
the affected citizens. Some - if not most - were highly
controversial and have a negative effect for at least some major
parts of the country's population.
The present system of government lnot
only leaves the citizens powerless in the face of a never-ending
tide of legislation, it also inevitably leads to
inefficient use of taxpayer's money and a steady erosion of civil
liberties.
■
GENERAL
Should former politicians be allowed to cash in from books and lecture
tours?
Unequal regional distribution of tax burden
Forum demands that climate tax be redistributed on global basis
■
CLIMATE CHANGE AND POPULATION
Cap-and-Trade of Carbon Permits and ideal vehicle for fraud
Green Energy plan may cost 17 times more than its benefits
■
EUROPE
EU wants to
attract more refugees
EU Parliament
costs Euro 1.5 Billion annually
Monster Trucks up to
60 tons may be allowed
■
UNITED KINGDOM
Parents may lose right to boycott school sex lessons
Britain to support $ 500 Mio donation to
Taleban
Committee calls for additional tax on air travel
■
GERMANY
Solar Subsidy reaches
20 billion Euro
New tax on USB memory
sticks
Free Gas, Power for Unemployed, Hartz recipients
■
AUSTRIA
VAT thresholds manipulated
Teenagers over 16 allowed to vote
Parties change Members of Parliament at will
|
|