Wealth distribution

[HoreTore]

Good points. The problem is that so many folks fixate on wealth distribution through taxation as THE answer to this, but it is a lousy choice -- too many ways to cheat existing tax systems exist and many such taxation schemes end up punishing innovation and success.

SO.....what are some concepts that MIGHT work?

There is no answer that is THE answer.

Combating poverty is something requiring a wide range of answer. The most important is meaningful employment with a proper wage. I can list a few measures which will help deal with poverty:

- Government and commercial companies providing entry level jobs for those struggling(for various reasons) to enter the job market. The ideal solution is in the private sector, but state companies may be required if the private sector cannot provide what is needed.
- Education. Free.
- Free, early access healthcare intended to fix problems before they grow big, aiming at getting people back to work as quickly as possible.
- Lower housing prices. Government may be required to build housing to drive prices down.
- A functional drug/alcohol rehabilitation scheme, which doesn't involve sending addicts to jail.
- Switching focus in the justice system from revenge to rehabilitation.
- Fire/jail all academics who consider themselves post-modernists, or make positive references to Latoure or Bourdieu.
- Pump up child protective services.
- Increased wages.

Taxation won't do much to combat poverty, it's what you use those tax dollars for that matters.