The 2015 Popularity Contest (aka UK General Election )

[Garrick]

View attachment 7982

That top maximising point is a top rate of tax of about 43% btw. Which interestingly, is pretty close to the MAXIMUM that Brown had for years and years, until 12 months before the last election when he raised it to 50%. Draw your own conclusions as to exactly why he did that.

But here is a clue; at probably every PMQs/debate/speech, Balls and Miliband have trotted out the "tax breaks for millionaires" line. Which a lot of people take. Hook, line and sinker.

The Laffer Curve is a theoretical concept and trying to pinpoint where exactly the "top of the curve" is is an absolute fool's errand.

Every study on the matter has plucked out a different number. I've heard 60%, 65%, 70%, 35%, 32%, now 43%, you get my point yet?

At this point, the Laffer Curve has just turned into a half-arsed rationale used by fiscal conservatives to always cut taxes ("Hey, revenue will actually GO UP if we cut taxes!!! How cool is that!!!") and never raise them ("ZOMG REVENUES WILL ACTUALLY GO DOOOOOWN!!!")

It sounds like real economic sciencey stuff, yet really has little practical application. There are way too many variables to actually pin the numbers on the curve.

 

[bluemangroup]

Far from it my son. I would describe myself as apolitical but I do enjoy the debates in this thread, it brings out the best (and sometimes the worst unfortunately) in people.
Anyway isn't Bruce Wayne's multi called Batman?

No Bruce, he isn't.

 

[Garrick]

Good Lord, Team @roydo and @peteblue are destroying all before them tonight.

You British leftists are in a sad state of affairs if the American commies have to come in here and take swings for you.

Get it together, comrades.

 

[roydo]

Every study on the matter has plucked out a different number. I've heard 60%, 65%, 70%, 35%, 32%, now 43%, you get my point yet?

Yeah, that there is a maximum tax rate that maximises tax revenue. And out of all the rates you have quoted, only one is close to the maximum Brown had for donkeys years. Or the Tories for that matter.

A pattern there.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

True, but Germany,, or Germans, do not have the bewildering obsession with property ownership which the UK has. Which is a different debate tbf.

And Germany, as seems to be well advertised, are quite keen on only spending what they generate.

 

[Mrtallywacker]

No Bruce, he isn't.

He isn't what my son?

 

[bluemangroup]

And Germany, as seems to be well advertised, are quite keen on only spending what they generate.

He isn't what my son?

I know.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

He isn't what my son?

I think he's saying if we both post at the same time, one of us better post gibberish on account of having to use my left hand to write it.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I'm voting Labour next month btw.

 

[bluemangroup]

I'm voting Labour next month btw.

Wise decision Bru.....wait a second.

 

[Mrtallywacker]

Down with the Tories.

 

[peteblue]

Honestly. I'm praying they decide they want to try the beach volleyball located 15 yards from my towel.

Don't forget to take the photo's......

 

[Billy Dean]

Don't forget to take the photo's......

*photos

 

[roydo]

And Germany, as seems to be well advertised, are quite keen on only spending what they generate.

With a 45% HRT band.

 

[bluemangroup]

Don't forget to take the photo's......

They've gone. Apparently masturbating on a beach is frowned upon by women.