Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
If we believe that adult children will need to inherit large sums from their parents in order to be financially secure, aren't we conceding that we no longer live a broadly prosperous meritocracy? That it's no longer the case that a child raised in an average household who works reasonably hard will have a good life?
We're already seeing a hardening class system develop in this country. Do we really want to wind up like the States, with their crime, distrust, failing institutions, and vicious political culture?
We're going to need to consider policies like inheritance taxes if we want to avoid that fate. If we want strong public education and public health care to endure in a country with an ageing population, the money has to come from somewhere. Maybe inheritance taxes are a fair trade-off if they mean the affluent don't need to live in gated communities, send their kids to private schools, and pay for private health care.
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Your initial premise is invalid - no one is saying that. Inheritance isn't
needed in order for a 'household who works hard (to) have a good life'. Inheritance is simple possession, and at our death, we each have the right to do with our possessions what we choose. Most of us give our assets to our kids (post 2nd spouse), but many give to charities, church, or whatever they choose. Some start foundations, or create trusts for the benefit of others.
But the important thing in all that is that it is their choice to do as they please.
The day we take personal choice out of the equation is the day that our society failed itself.