One should always remember the old adage "It's impossible to argue with a fool." I think this kind of posturing and chest-beating by MS is best ignored. Let the work (their's and the "cancer's") speak for itself.
I don't often feel compelled to respond to a piece of social criticism, but it this case I absolutely must. First a couple of bits of information about me to provide a context. I am a European who has lived in the US am extended period of time (33 years). I am a member of the middle of the "diamond" that David describes. I am (by principle) apolitical. BTW, I have worked my ass off for what I have.
Now my issues.
1. I must take issue with the assertions about the European wealthy ("...a majority of millionaires inherit their riches".) This may be true in Great Britain, but certainly does NOT apply to most other parts of Europe. There are certainly (extremely) wealthy that have inherited, but the (European) millionaires that I know have earned what they have (by much the same means that have worked in the US.) Let's further delineate among the wealthy. The bottom line is that the extremely wealthy (those folks that David is addressing) have (and always have) ways to shelter and pass on their wealth. Really, this is trivial to do for someone with means (convoluted trusts, offshore accounts, etc.) Good luck trying to pry away their wealth.
2. Inheritance tax. Let's get real about this tax thing. Every dollar I earn gets taxed multiple times at earning time (state, federal, and social security). When I spend it gets zapped by sales tax (most folks don't have a clue about the level of taxes on certain commodities - gas, cigarettes, etc.). What I earn from investing, of course, gets capital gained. Let's not forget about intangible tax, and all the rest. I think the notion that what I (and EVERYONE else) leaves to their children gets taxed (mightily) is vulgar. You are talking about practically everyone in the "diamond."
Let's stop this social engineering, and work (and write) about the things that are truly eroding our cerebral/social/environmental areas. I think your efforts would be better directed in those areas.
Slashdot Mirror
One should always remember the old adage "It's impossible to argue with a fool." I think this kind of posturing and chest-beating by MS is best ignored. Let the work (their's and the "cancer's") speak for itself.
I don't often feel compelled to respond to a piece of social criticism, but it this case I absolutely must. First a couple of bits of information about me to provide a context. I am a European who has lived in the US am extended period of time (33 years). I am a member of the middle of the "diamond" that David describes. I am (by principle) apolitical. BTW, I have worked my ass off for what I have. Now my issues. 1. I must take issue with the assertions about the European wealthy ("...a majority of millionaires inherit their riches".) This may be true in Great Britain, but certainly does NOT apply to most other parts of Europe. There are certainly (extremely) wealthy that have inherited, but the (European) millionaires that I know have earned what they have (by much the same means that have worked in the US.) Let's further delineate among the wealthy. The bottom line is that the extremely wealthy (those folks that David is addressing) have (and always have) ways to shelter and pass on their wealth. Really, this is trivial to do for someone with means (convoluted trusts, offshore accounts, etc.) Good luck trying to pry away their wealth. 2. Inheritance tax. Let's get real about this tax thing. Every dollar I earn gets taxed multiple times at earning time (state, federal, and social security). When I spend it gets zapped by sales tax (most folks don't have a clue about the level of taxes on certain commodities - gas, cigarettes, etc.). What I earn from investing, of course, gets capital gained. Let's not forget about intangible tax, and all the rest. I think the notion that what I (and EVERYONE else) leaves to their children gets taxed (mightily) is vulgar. You are talking about practically everyone in the "diamond." Let's stop this social engineering, and work (and write) about the things that are truly eroding our cerebral/social/environmental areas. I think your efforts would be better directed in those areas.
It's unfortunate that the genetic algorithm didn't make the grade. Time, I think, will remedy this oversight.