GST to be raised to 7%
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My greatest wish is for our dear government to explain in CLEAR SIMPLE, EASY TO UNDERSTAND ENGLISH, how in the world can a 7% GST help the poor?
With all the stupid terms and conditions, getting help from the government is not that easy as most people will think. If you ask me which I prefer:
1. To be given the antidote after looking for hundreds of doctors (provided I am still alive.
OR
2. Not to be bitten at all.
Guess which one I will choose. The choice is clear.
Regards,
BKKBoy -
I've a gut feelings that those who complain on the 7% GST doesn't ever studied economics or even bothered to know it better by reading a book or whatsoever.
Am I wrong? -
A year ago, Maple Leaf Country offered maple syrup...
December 01, 2005 Harper: GST from 7% to 5%
Ernst & YoungÂ’s Complete Guide to the Goods and Services Tax, 2006 (14th Edition)
A Conservative government under the leadership of Stephen Harper will reduce the GST from 7% to 6% immediately and then to 5% within five years.This announcement generates a mixed reaction from me, but it's mostly good.
First of all, small 'c' conservatives argue that we should be moving away from income taxes and towards consumption tax as taxing savings and wealth generation discourages investment. However, lowering consumption taxes encourages consumerism which will certainly stimulate the economy from everyday items such as newspapers to big-ticket items such as cars and homes.
While the latest announcement isn't necessarily reflective of Mr. Harper's masters degree in economics, he should be awarded a doctorate in politics.
Today's announcement will certainly get voters excited and has the added benefit of dragging the Liberals through the inevitable 'but some critics say' angle from the MSM. You see, some critics say that voters don't trust politicians on GST promises, but then again, we're talking about Liberals specifically. Remember the broken promise about eliminating the GST in the Red Book? Sheila Copps resigned over that Liberal broken promise.
"I've already said personally and very directly that if the GST is not abolished, I'll resign. I don't know how clear you can get. I think you've got to be accountable...and you have to deliver on it" -- Sheila Copps, Globe and Mail, March 11, 1996
So, Stephen Harper gets to make a wildly popular announcement while skeptics can only cite a flaw by pointing out one of the biggest Liberal flip-flops in Canadian history.
Policy wise, is this a good move overall in the eyes of small 'c' conservatives? Well, the net reduction of taxes is a conservative ideal, so the reduction of the GST is a victory for small 'c' conservatives and the taxpayer. Will we move to a consumption based tax system in the future, eliminating income tax entirely? Perhaps that's well off into the future, but for the present a 2% reduction in the GST will win the Conservative Party a lot of support.
Canadian Taxpayer's Federation National Director John Williamson agrees,
"The idea of reducing the GST is just as valid as any other tax-reduction proposal we have seen to date. I think it is one that will prove to be popular with a lot of voters." -- John Williamson
Paul Martin had this to say about the GST in 1989:
"Mr. Speaker, the goods and services tax is a stupid, inept and incompetent tax." -- Paul Martin, November 28th 1989
And today, Mr. Martin had this to say:
"I don't believe that is the path to follow ... Canadians have been down this road before. They've heard this story." -- Paul Martin
Didn't Paul Martin author the Liberal's broken GST promise in the Red Book?Cheers,
Stephen Taylor
[email protected](Toronto, September 19, 2006)—This summer’s GST rate reduction and attendant transitional provisions create a new urgency to be on top of the rules governing this tax. Ernst & Young’s Complete Guide to the Goods and Services Tax, 2006 (14th Edition) was published today by The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) to help professional advisors and financial executives stay up-to-date on new legislation, regulations and changes to administrative practice surrounding the GST. The guide is used by Canada Revenue Agency and other government departments as well as by GST professionals across the country. It provides clear, authoritative guidance to take practitioners through the revised tax rules, with extensive examples and cross-references to CRA memoranda, policy statements, guides and forms.
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Does that mean that there is no need to explain further? Does it give you the right to snigger? Does it make you superior? Does it hurt to explain to us ignorant ones why it helps the poor instead of such sarcastic remarks?Originally posted by NoSuchPerson:I've a gut feelings that those who complain on the 7% GST doesn't ever studied economics or even bothered to know it better by reading a book or whatsoever.
Am I wrong?
Regards,
BKKboy -
Can somebody explain to me how GST going up to 7% can help the poor? I am not as educated as some people here. I am stupid and yes I don't know economics, but I still want to know how an increase of GST can help the poor?!?! Anyone?!?Originally posted by NoSuchPerson:I've a gut feelings that those who complain on the 7% GST doesn't ever studied economics or even bothered to know it better by reading a book or whatsoever.
Am I wrong?
PS: if there is any books written on how GST can help the poor in singapore please let me know, I will get it today. I don't want a generalised explanation, I want specifics. -
If GST can help the poor, they should just increase it to 10% to help the poor even more.
Why increase to 7%, then later to 10%? -
Haha good one.Originally posted by NUS_Superst@r:If GST can help the poor, they should just increase it to 10% to help the poor even more. Why increase to 7%, then later to 10%? 
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I been wondering for one full week already, and I think our gov is taking all of us for thorough-bred FOOLS by suggesting and insisting that raising the GST to 7%, is good for us and helps the poor.
They must think that we are all retards or something...
Can someone (especially those friggin PAP-zombies in here) explain how, raising GST to 7% can help people in general and the poor in particular?? -
Still waiting for a kind soul to explain. Perhaps NoSuchPerson exist.
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I think they realised their humongous mistake and they have changed their reasons for the hike.Originally posted by ShutterBug:I been wondering for one full week already, and I think our gov is taking all of us for thorough-bred FOOLS by suggesting and insisting that raising the GST to 7%, is good for us and helps the poor.
They must think that we are all retards or something...
Can someone (especially those friggin PAP-zombies in here) explain how, raising GST to 7% can help people in general and the poor in particular??
It's now about future growth and investment for the future. -
Really?Originally posted by charlize:I think they realised their humongous mistake and they have changed their reasons for the hike.
It's now about future growth and investment for the future.
But nonetheless, I am still waiting for an answer from NoSuchPerson. -
maybe the govt should increase your gst to 50% and ours remain at 5%.Originally posted by NoSuchPerson:I've a gut feelings that those who complain on the 7% GST doesn't ever studied economics or even bothered to know it better by reading a book or whatsoever.
Am I wrong? -
If you will please help to explain how the poor is helped? Do you personally know of people who benefited? Pls enlighten us instead of yelping. I can give you many examples of people who do not benefit from this.Originally posted by #$%^&*:I am sad whenever I read this kinda topic showing up.
So many people only know how to complain, which they shouldn't do in the first place, because each individual should take own actions, and now finally something is done to try to improve the grievances, yet some people still complain.
Please, 7% is still nothing. If you look at other countries many have higher rates.
I dont know whats the problem, since it is meant to help poor people and help keep society compact.
Does it really affect you at any practical level?
2% rise....big deal, I dont think anyone will feel any effect at all. But for a government to collect many of little 2 percents, then it become quite big and can be used at the national level for the social programs.
What is the deal?
Today 7%, tomorrow 14%? Maybe by then you will be bit*hing. Anyway think it's just peanuts to you. Why should you care right? Maybe I should get out of your elite uncaring face. But first, get out of mine. -
GST increament may help. But.
That actually depends on how the "rich" class of Singapore spend their money.
Income Tax increament.. not considered? Afraid that the rich will run away?
Anyway, our garment paid a large sums of money to gather the very "SMAR
WooHa
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I have absolutely no idea what the hell you are trying to say.Originally posted by yuehan:GST increament may help. But.
That actually depends on how the "rich" class of Singapore spend their money.
Income Tax increament.. not considered? Afraid that the rich will run away?
Anyway, our garment paid a large sums of money to gather the very "SMAR
WooHa -
Without rice, even the cleverest housewife cannot cook.
~Proverb, (Chinese)~ -
wooHaOriginally posted by charlize:I have absolutely no idea what the hell you are trying to say.
Just pray that the politicians which the country are feeding provides solutions that benefits the republic in the long run.. -
Im poor, & that increase is not helping me. Im screwed
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Oh really? does it take genius to say wat you just did? D-U-H~~~~~Originally posted by NoSuchPerson:I've a gut feelings that those who complain on the 7% GST doesn't ever studied economics or even bothered to know it better by reading a book or whatsoever.
Am I wrong?
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er gst increase allows government to be richer den sg currency will go up den more ppl will go msia and buy things cuz its cheaper lol
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GST increase is to help the poor.
How many times must the government tell you that? -
Yalor, must tell you all how many times? In fact I suggest increasing it further to 14% since it will benefit the poor...
ps: seriously, how does it help? I am still thinking. Those damn good at economics especially those who log in to take pot shots saying the government is a genius then disappear, please enlighten us ignorant souls... -
Are those good at economics (as a subject) really economist?
I think that they are better at memorising books. -
Maybe gahmen haven't thought about that yet, eitherOriginally posted by bangkokboy:If you will please help to explain how the poor is helped? Do you personally know of people who benefited? Pls enlighten us instead of yelping. I can give you many examples of people who do not benefit from this.
Today 7%, tomorrow 14%? Maybe by then you will be bit*hing. Anyway think it's just peanuts to you. Why should you care right? Maybe I should get out of your elite uncaring face. But first, get out of mine. -
I hope they don't start thinking of that now...Originally posted by spinsugar:Maybe gahmen haven't thought about that yet, either 