rechtub, one of the best things I can think about Australian society is that there is a general intolerance of w@nkers. The only people I usually hear complain about the "tall poppy syndrome" are rich w@nkers or those that want to be one. The Australian people quite like nice rich people, but they can't stand upstarts and grandstanders and those who are well off but would still remove what little others have in the name of efficiency. If you feel that you are being persecuted by the tall poppy syndrome, I can fully understand that, given the type of person that you project yourself to be. As for your thinking that $5,000 or so is enough to convince people to have children so that they can buy a plasma screen tv, well I can understand why you are so rich now. Anything for money eh? And so your exhortation of "enjoy your poverty", while initially comes across as being arrogant and blustery (and not just a little w@nkerish), has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I think I will enjoy my "poverty", but it shall be one of only monetary concern, and a self imposed state. I suspect yours however to be far deeper and less enjoyable in the long run.

Belly, we all want good social justice outcomes, but I also live in the real world and understand that any change to the system must be slow and cautious, since large and rapid changes just confuse everyone and usually end up hurting the types of people you want to help. I have seen it first hand on multiple occasions.

So bugsy,

Did you realise that you couldn't afford to provide for your own children without 'hand-outs' before or after you chose to have them?

I think it was after my landlord put up the rent after I asked him to change the smoke alarm.

I think it was after my landlord put up the rent after I asked him to change the smoke alarm.

There you go mate, an improvement, not a repair hey!

Sorry mate, it's that 'iron trap of a mind' I possess!

Once again, you have avoided the question. Perhaps it's to close to the bone hey?

Also noted, not one reply to my 'cashless society' comment. Wonder if we are all doing the right thing and not working for CASH hey?

Thought you might at least comment on the 2% transaction tax. Fairest tax around, the more you earn/spend, the more tax you pay. Now what can be fairer than that I ask?

Avoided what question? The loaded one that's just chock full of assumptions? The one that's just like "Have you stopped beating your wife?"

The only thing that you could get close to the bone is one your butchers knives. Indeed it does appear that the trap is not made of steel at all, but instead is ironic.

As for a "cashless society" and a transaction tax, all I can say is that's a great idea! Why don't you take that to the government right away! I'm sure they would love to hear it and won't laugh at you at all.

Well bugys, let's move on hey. I'm over this tit for tat!

Now with regards to your last comment, transaction tax and a cashless society.

Trans tax
A 2% flat tax would be one that is taxed on ALL banking transactions from accounts to eftpos and alike. Each time a transaction is made the 2% tax is collected. The more you spend, the more you pay. Very fair to me. I would pay more tax than others and visa-versa. It is said that if this were introduced then all other taxes COULD be removed. Luv to see that!

Take GST. This is a very unfair tax, especially for the needy. I get my GST back yet the ones who rely on 100% of their income just to survive don't. In theory, this could be wiped.

At present the black money market is huge. Now GST was supposed to deal with this but it has in fact made it worse as it is used as an automatic discount tool if you pay cash..

There is nothing to stop me from taking $50 to $100K per year from the till and not pay tax on it. That's wrong!

Many people are paid cash so as to avoid commitments such as child support, they fudge their incomes.

Every drug deal is in cash. Many pay for holidays, nights out etc with black money, all of which should be attracting taxes which in essence rob the public purse and we wonder why there's not enough to go around.

So in theory, could we become a cashless society?