Monty Python Economics

The lead article of the British Newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, quotes a cabal of City big-wigs who claim that the only way to save the British economy is by abolishing the 50% top rate of tax for the highest earners and increasing personal tax allowance. They claim this will attract entrepreneurs to the country.

Sheriff of Nottingham One : Robin Hood Nil.

I find it incredible that anyone seeks to reward the rich (many of whom got us into this mess in the first place because of their relentless, reckless gambling greed) while expecting ordinary people to endure all of the austerity.

I ask a few questions.

Are the rich solely motivated by money? What about loyalty, patriotism, wishing to do good for good's sake?

How will a few of the already rich make such an improvement in the economy when so many people are being thrown out of work with a consequent decline in tax yield?

How much more money do the already wealthy need? How much can one person or family spend in one life-time?

Why weep for the rich while slashing at the poor?

I am reminded of two songs, the first the theme song to Robin Hood.

Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen.
Robin Hood, Robin Hood with his band of men.
Takes from the bad, gives to the good;
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Robin Hood.

The second is from Monty Python's Flying Circus

Dennis Moore, Dennis Moore
Galloping through the sward
Dennis Moore, Dennis Moore
And his horse Concorde
He steals from the rich
And gives to the poor
Mr. Moore, Mr. Moore, Mr. Moore.