Final problem statement:
Today’s worldwide capitalist/financial system does not concern itself with moral values; that is, it does not consider the well-being of those outside its economic self-interest. Unfettered, such privilege results in aggregating more and more financial resource in fewer and fewer hands. This inevitably leads to more consolidated political or dictatorial power, which is beholden to this very same money. This vicious economic circle is not only cruel to more and more of our human family, but cannot but result in social upheaval, perhaps even violent. As Unitarian Universalists, in keeping with “the inherent worth and dignity of every person”, and “justice, equity and compassion in human relations”, we cannot sit idly by as this condition worsens.
Final list of proposed actions:
- Increase inheritance and gift tax rates.
- Require one year of public service (military or nonmilitary, by choice) for all able-bodied citizens and permanent residents at age 18; a portion of pay to be placed in an educational fund for use by the individual upon completion of service.
- Return the “Citizens United” issue to the Supreme Court and politic for its reversal.
- Eliminate most if not all federal tax deductions.
- Raise the federal minimum wage to at least $20/hr.
- Make the income tax structure more progressive:
a. Establish punitive tax rate for employees whose salary and bonus exceed some multiple of lowest employee wage (100x?).
b. Eliminate favorable capital gains rate; tax gains at the same rate as that applied to income/bonus. - Use a substantial portion of the additional tax revenues raised by the above actions to bring infrastructure (public transportation, bridges and roads, safe walking and biking, etc.) back to acceptable levels.
- Make available affordable “Uber” type transportation to all economically disadvantaged who lack automobile or convenient public transportation, in order to facilitate commutes and other necessary trips.
- Make higher education free, at least through post high school vocational training or two year community college.
- Provide basic on line internet access free to everyone who desires it.
