I get away with paying less taxes than I should - Warren Buffet

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/oct/31/usnews

The United States' second-richest man has delivered a blunt message to the Bush administration: he wants to pay more tax.

Warren Buffett, the famous investor known as the "Sage of Omaha", has complained that he pays a lower rate of tax than any of his staff - including his receptionist. Mr Buffett, who is worth an estimated $52bn (£25bn), said: "The taxation system has tilted towards the rich and away from the middle class in the last 10 years. It's dramatic; I don't think it's appreciated and I think it should be addressed."

During an interview with NBC television, Mr Buffett brandished an informal survey of 15 of his 18 office staff at his Berkshire Hathaway empire. The billionaire said he was paying 17.7% payroll and income tax, compared with an average in the office of 32.9%.

"There wasn't anyone in the office, from the receptionist up, who paid as low a tax rate and I have no tax planning; I don't have an accountant or use tax shelters. I just follow what the US Congress tells me to do," he said.
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If you live in society, there are rules to follow and costs to maintain that society. The more successful animals in nature support each other to strengthen the viability of the group. Humans have done this and developed society and civilization and that which comes with it: Technology, medicine, better health, longer lives, the written word, education, little things like that. But it does require some contribution to the mutual well-being. of course, you could decide you didn't want to put up with this. You could decide you wqnted to do just what you wanted to do all the time anytime.

you could go back to.....the good old days(??)....



...

-<crickets>-

They love dem some rich corporate overlords. They might BE one someday. :sarcasm:

The point is, a rich man like Buffett recognizes, 1) the need for taxes and 2) that the wealthiest do not pay enough. With too regressive a tax code you get less economic growth. Talk of less taxation really ends up meaning less taxes for those who have the wherewithal to avoid them and to make sure tax code is written to their advantage (thank you Republican Party).

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