Arctic Monkeys Tax Avoidance

[jonodillieono]

I was on strike in the winter. One week of no pay. I didn't cry because the RMT, GMB, etc wasn't on strike. It wasn't their issue so why care?

When I first started I had the same ideological ideas about helping the underdog, changing the system, and fighting hand in hand withe the "brothers and sisters". After a while though you see the truth. Your union will only win the battles that whoever they are fighting lets them. In the end the hand that feeds you will get what they want. I attend courses / conferences nationally, and your rep or secretary is just on an expenses shake-down. Do you think we give up our time for nothing? The perks have been clamped down in the last 15 years or so which is causing a spiral effect on the strength of "your" union. Your the fool not me.

[carlosj]

Yes along these lines. If it was a real open market the price would come down a lot though and standards would increase. I would take opt and and be refunded / charged for any dealings I have had with the NHS from my 18th birthday. Then it's go your own way - just as the people who avoid tax do now, which was what this thred is about in the first place.

[Ruwise]

Yes along these lines. If it was a real open market the price would come down a lot though and standards would increase. I would take opt and and be refunded / charged for any dealings I have had with the NHS from my 18th birthday. Then it's go your own way - just as the people who avoid tax do now, which was what this thred is about in the first place.

[eFestivals]

So why are you a union boss if you think it's pointless?

Why don't you just tell all the members of your union that you're against the NHS and welfare and see how long you stay in your position for

he's a greedy capitalist, and he gets himself the most wealth via some whopping porkies pies.

That's the civilised sensible society, so he tries to make us believe.

[Bradders]

Yes along these lines. If it was a real open market the price would come down a lot though and standards would increase. I would take opt and and be refunded / charged for any dealings I have had with the NHS from my 18th birthday. Then it's go your own way - just as the people who avoid tax do now, which was what this thred is about in the first place.

[Scotdy]

Actually the costs I was quoting were from my experience of working with a private medical insurer. When you privatise things the costs go up rather than down as not only do you have to provide a service you also have to provide a profit for investors. The American healthcare system is far more expensive and far less effective than the UK. Only the mega-rich are likely to have better health outcomes.

The reality is that these people who avoid tax don't go their own way and that is the point. If Gary Barlow or Alex Turner get ill they go to a hospital. Even of they go privately they are still getting the expertise of nurses and doctors who have had their training at least partially paid from taxes. They still use roads and need policing etc. They employ people and they need those people to have skills or at least basic literacy I would have thought. Most builders, plumbers and electricians have done apprenticeships which are part funded by the government. I'm assuming that Alex Turner isn't so multi-talented that he can do all these things himself. We are all part of society and we need people with a range of skills. By paying taxes you ensure a better society for everybody going forward. J K Rowling has no problem doing this despite the fact that her earnings are much greater than Alex's. If you really worry about the tiny proportion of benefit fraud assume going forward that J K Rowling has got that covered with her taxes.

[Scotdy]

I think the simplest and most important question that nobody has asked yet is: Do you care about anyone but yourself?

If the answer is, as I suspect, "no", then we can all see why you have these stupid and horrible opinions and just leave the discussion there.

[eFestivals]

My opinions are stupid and horrible because they are not the same as yours? That's a bit of a closed view point

No, because it will cause thousands - perhaps hundreds of thousands, maybe millions - to unnecessarily die, who aren't dying while the NHS exists.

Had that part passed you by before now?

Edited July 10, 2014 by eFestivals

[Pinhead]

Ever bought (illegal) drugs (without paying tax)?

[Scotdy]

No, because it will cause thousands - perhaps hundreds of thousands, maybe millions - to unnecessarily die, who aren't dying while the NHS exists.

Had that part passed you by before now?

[eFestivals]

fine if you want to opt in and pay for that service that's your choice. I don't want it so I should be able to opt out and sort myself out.

ahhh, a true libertarian. There's only one true libertarian state, why don't you go?

Somalia's thataway >>

[Scotdy]

ahhh, a true libertarian. There's only one true libertarian state, why don't you go?

Somalia's thataway >>

[eFestivals]

I'm tired of this now so maybe I will. Tell you what, hand me a box of the mugs that litter your office empire and I will see if I can shift them while on my travels. I can't pay my staff... boo-who. Maybe if you spent your time developing a tidy iphone app rather than convincing punters it's Niels way or the high way you might just make something for yourself.

I'm making out just fine thanks. I even pay my taxes with joy.

[wilko8]

rather than convincing punters it's Niels way or the high way

[jonodillieono]

fine if you want to opt in and pay for that service that's your choice. I don't want it so I should be able to opt out and sort myself out.

[Bonedaddy]

Surely thats an argument about a different kind of market?