Forum Archive Index - July 2000

["Trevor Gilbert" <trevor@tgif.co.nz>]

I think your first comment is the crux of the matter. That, and a hell bent trend in this country to look the " Government" to solve all our woes, be they social or economic.

 

Your last three "possible solutions" ask for some degree of central Government handout. This is  "Corporate Welfare" . Like socially driven welfare it has an opposite effect to its intention. It allows noddy-nobodies in government departments to pick winners. It encourages dependency. It rewards deceit.

 

In NZ , we already have 1 in 3 people on welfare payouts. I don't think we need add any more.  I certainly don't want any of my tax going to dubious R&D ventures that may or may not be anything more than a scam, anymore than I want it going to dole bludgers.

 

The way ahead lies in an open immigration policy; low and flat tax rates, less Government intervention in business.

 

Governments are elected but necessarily for their business acumen. The best they can do is provide a framework whereby Business can sort itself out. There will be winners and there will be losers. But at least the winners will not be propped up by tax payers money, and in that way they will have a chance to succeed globally.