Dmitriy T.M. sent in an interesting discussion of tax collection in Pakistan by the New York Times. The narrator argues that rich Pakistanis, among others, do not pay taxes, forcing the government to rely on foreign aid. Essentially, then, it is argued, “[t]he American taxpayer is subsidizing the Pakistani rich.” Since the politicians are rich themselves, and happily evading taxes, there is little will to change the system.
One solution? Send in a team of transgender people to embarass homeowners into paying their property taxes, of course!
Lisa Wade, PhD is an Associate Professor at Tulane University. She is the author of American Hookup, a book about college sexual culture; a textbook about gender; and a forthcoming introductory text: Terrible Magnificent Sociology. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Comments 13
Nikhil Punnoose — September 11, 2010
That might actually work quite well, so as...non-PC as it might be, I'd say it's a pretty good solution.
Bosola — September 11, 2010
This is a shocking problem in Greece, as well, where business is done off the books, for cash, and tax collectors get their fee to look the other way.
http://www.vanityfair.com/business/features/2010/10/greeks-bearing-bonds-201010
Most doctors, for instance, don't declare enough income to owe anything in taxes at the end of the year. And it is well known that houses have two prices: the official one that is reported to the tax authority, and the actual sale price that is paid in cash.
I'm not about to call the Germans saints, but they are just about to the point of visible steam coming out their ears that they have to play by the rules and pay what they owe to support this giant black market economy on the Aegean.
I am reminded of the common observation that political society has to be built on a certain minimum level of trust. In the present downturn, we see that trust unraveling everywhere.
EGhead — September 11, 2010
I love that trans women are using these rich tax-evaders' transphobia against them in the pursuit of social justice!
AO — September 12, 2010
Wonder how much CIA drug money is being given to the Pakistan elite? You do not have to pay taxes with shady income, I suppose. But when it comes to the big picture this silly transgender thing is just a event in the not so silly farce called "war against terrorism" which is pestered with illegality and total disregard for human decency or rights. And in the end we all know that illegality and inhumanity or america will perish along with the statehood of USA, as it should.
Heina — September 12, 2010
"Hijras," as they are called in Pakistan, traditionally use that same transphobia to earn their living. They sing and dance at weddings and births and people pay them off to leave. This isn't a stretch from that.