You act as though the tax code were separate from the government.
I don't think so. I'm treating this rather clinicly. The tax code says that you have to pay taxes on wages. I'm not arguing whether that's right, wrong, or at the right rate. It's taxable income under the tax code. If I own a stock, it has a cost basis as defined by the tax code. Depending on how long you own the stock, or when you sell it, it's a long term capital gain or short term capital gain [or loss]. That's the tax code. Assuming that the asset increases in value, the tax code says that's an unrealized gain until the transaction is completed. That unrealized gain has an implied tax liability that is deferred and the investor uses that implied tax liability to achieve further gain. I think that's a statement of fact, devoid of any attitude or judgement.
Taxes are purely a function of government imposition. There is nothing theoretical about them. They aren't natural -- i don't know of any plant, fish, or mammal other than man that pays taxes.
I don't know of any plant, fish, or mammal other than man that wants services to be provided. I've certainly never heard of a mammal asking for an interstate highway, to have their trash picked up, their roads plowed free from snow, or ask for nuclear weapons. Have you ever heard of a bird requesting homeland security?
Time for me to hit the sack. Pleasant evening to you.
Cheers,
jttmab |
