A quick glance at available public information suggests that Greek tax rates are quite competitive with any such liberal republic, other than their exemption of shipping profits. How much do you think that they ought to be increased?

The big problem with Italy isn't so much the rich not paying their fair share as it is rampant tax evasion; Italy's love of paying for everything in cash has enabled an incredible number of companies to skirt the various taxes in place because there's no record of the transactions ever happening.

In response, the Italian government has passed a law prohibiting cash payments greater than a specific amount; the idea is to force consumers and businesses towards checks and plastic, which leaves a paper trail that can be taxed.

Apr 8, 2012 -- 9:28PM, hamerhas wrote:

Why are not the Greek, Italian, and Spanish  governments currently on the brink of economic collapse demanding that the wealthiest among them finally pay their "fair share" in taxes?

In all the reports of these countries economic implosionsI have not once heard of the "rich", being forced to pay their fair share?

Are the rich off limits in collapsing european economies?

Guess most Euro nations have the "Rich" paying high taxes already. As Ebon said, rich people do have more control of media and governments. So they protect them in return.

In the US, rich does not even want to pay what they were paying under Clinton. They were given a break after 9-11 (Guess who made money after it beside Cheney?) and they love to make that permanent. Guess that is the "Concern" they have.

Last time I checked, during president Clinton budget was supported by revenue and there was surplus!!

The biggest concern of the country was "Monica" not jobs or economy!! :-)

Good old days.....

What rates do you suggest? 100%

Apr 9, 2012 -- 9:31PM, Erey wrote:

I know that in Greece you don't have to pay taxes if your salary is something like 20K or less. 

sooooo,,,,,,,,   hardly anyone has a salary above 20K (or whatever that number is).    The most prestigious plastic surgeons can't seem to make more than 20K per year in Greece.  The proprietors of the busiest, most sought after restaurants can't seem to make more than 20K.  Hardly anyone makes more than 20K a year because everyone pays in cash under the table. 

So Greece would probably just want to start enforcing their tax codes. 

Not "everyone" .

If everyone did there would be no "austerity" from which to cut.

In Greece those earning over " 20K " would by definition be the "rich",  the  " 1%'s".

The question stands , why has not one word of the Greek   " 1%'s" paying their fair share that all

may have a shot at the Greek dream been mentioned ?