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Blair aide: Taxes create happiness
File this one under WTF?I am sorry. I just can't make any more snarky comments than the actual text. Amazing!  PAYING taxes contributes to the well-being of the country and can make people happy, an aide to Tony Blair has claimed. David Halpern, who advises the Prime Minister on social issues, said the redistribution of wealth is the key to a nation's contentment. Really! Everybody give me your money and you will feel so much happier! Send your money to Robin Hood care of Sherwood Forrest. I will make sure its redistributed properly. wink wink wink. His arguments, made on a BBC2 programme, prompted an outcry from anti-tax campaigners who accused Labour of becoming increasingly out of touch. In the interview for the Happiness Formula, Mr Halpern said: 'I know it is difficult for us to believe ... but it looks like, at least at a certain level, taxes are likely to increase the well-being of the population.' Mr Halpern, who works in the Prime Minister's strategy unit, said that people are unhappy if they see others earning more than them. He argues if we want a happier society the Government should reduce the gap between rich and poor. The academic and writer is encouraging ministers to compile a 'happiness index' to monitor whether Whitehall policies contribute to the public's sense of contentment. He has also suggested classes to teach people how to be happy and moves to encourage firms to introduce more leisure time to help workers achieve a work-life balance. Supporters say he is at the forefront of thinking about whether the success of country should be measured solely by economic growth. But Mr Halpern's comments drew scorn from the TaxPayers' Alliance, which campaigns against unnecessary taxation. Its chairman, Andrew Allum, said: 'Higher taxes make everyday life more difficult for ordinary families.' Posted by: Ebbeng Hupavinter2556 2006-05-20 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=152770 |