I never heard of Kim thingyperson either David.
Good blog Brian. The jet set. No, absoloutely don't care a hoot about their personal details, but as long as they stay rich enough to be avoiding responsibilities, tax or role modelling wise, will also continue to mention them wherever possible on the list of things worth complaining about. Is complaining about them the only power we hold over them. Ooo Ooo me: I can answer that myself ... not buying the rubbish they produce or the rubbishy press they are featured in, is also a good weapon. Re Depardieu, et al, if he's paid that much in tax, how much has he earned? I'm 100PERCENT sure he's being asked a fair amount. Being stupendously rich means he can and should afford it, whilst the rest of us have to wallow in cutbacks. No sympathy.
what's bread and circuses?
hmm....agree re: the celebrity status of being a celebrity..known for nothing but being in the right place to get snapped...but the tax situation is different. Having been brought up as a socialist....and having parents and brothers who not only worked for the party but who were trade union reps at their places of work. As many of you know I also worked with the homeless and am a nurse....and maybe that has changed my mind. My personal feeling is if you are paid a million euros for an acting part....much the same as if you are paid 50 euros for a bit of plumbing.....you would like to keep a reasonable part of it. Taxes are required from us all, we all need to contribute....and that is why I detest working on the black....and why I will never pay cash for anything.....but that doesnt mean that because someone is paid a big salary they should be penalised and have a huge chunk of their money removed by the state. In France...obviously the MPs dont think that way, they are paid huge amounts and have expenses and benefits that are tax free.
If I worked hard and became president of a company...then I think I should be entitled to keep the same percentage of my salary as others...or at least, not paying the majority in taxes. Any country that wishes to encourage business, entrepreneurs etc and make their country successful, do not tax those businessmen out of extinction....the UK did the same in the 60s...with their 95% tax...it didnt last as everyone was moving away. I dont want to live in a communist state...I want hard work and ambition to pay off...
Courtney, I'm not with you. If he's paid that much tax,he must be ridiculously wealthy; and from the amount he drinks, he can clearly afford to pay tax.
Well, you asked, Brian. I did indeed brush my teeth this morning - after eating a light breakfast [no details]. Brought in some wood to light stove. Visited neighbour to extend condolences on mother's death; renewed subscription to Connexion. Now, I am contemplating making coffee before going outside to spread manure on potager. I could,of course, thrill readers by telling you what type of manure and what I am wearing,but one has to preserve a modicum of privacy, eh?
Good post Brain...
Mind you in regard to Depardieu and him being criticised for nipping of to Belg to avoid tax.... He has paid apparently 145 MILLION in Euro tax in France. Probably more than all our communes put together so I'm with him when he says enough is enough. Top business leader are leaving and its not good for the country.
Perhaps I have had a protected life. Kim Kardashian means nothing to me at all. I have heard of Depardieu. Most of this stuff is utter trash. Spent my bathtime this morning listening to a Melvyn Bragg discussion on Culture on Radio 4 (available on Ipod). There are lots of cultures in the world. We just don't all have to belong to any particular one.
Did I ever mention that I've been in Coronation Street??? :-)
Hmmm; know the feeling! But at least we live here, not in the middle of some war torn city. And the wine is good even if cheese is off the menu. AND it isn't raining!So I shall go walk the dogs, another small pleasure!
Well Annie, one thing is certain. I can't afford to go into tax exile, because I can't afford the ticket to get anywhere else just now! ;-)
Some one must read these magazines, watch the telly programmes , they are big money! They have never been my "thing", I am much more interested that my 10 week old grandson has started to smile and laugh and my OHs daughter is 2 days over her due date......now that is exciting!!! As is my mum sending me an e-mail for the first time, she is 91 and had a computer for Christmas! Or even the daily witterings of my sister about what she has managed to do today, BUT oh by far the best is that OH has gone back to work after his cancer surgery and is looking good on it so far!!!!What a great day!
As for people having to be exiled as they are too rich........dont get me started! It is the same with the lottery , who needs to win 50 million????????? AAAAARGH, were are their priorities?????????
Ok I told all you my good news for today, what is yours????what really scrumptious thing has happened to you?
;-) One might add that some of the clowns have a lot of jam on their bread at that!
Its called bread and circuses, Brian. Happy New Year!