0.5% more tax to help make poverty history

2005-06-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hi there,
The following letter contains ideas on how to get substantial money from people worldwide, in order to fund international aid programs. I hope the idea is readily taken on by all, and really need everyones help in order for this to happen. You can help by printing off the petition in the blog below and getting as many people as you can to sign it. Once you have done this make sure it reaches your government, all the way to the top. If you can help in any way or have any ideas on what more I can do as far as getting this idea promoted to the people and implemented by governments, please let me know, and I would also love to hear of any other ideas you may have. Just send me an email to the address below.
Thanks for your time,
Alex
mailto:contactalexclark@gmail.com

To everyone who has the desire to end world poverty,

Once finished reading this letter, I ask that you would please forward it on to as many people as you can so that they too can be involved in the revolution to end world poverty.

I am a 16 year old, living in Wanganui, New Zealand, and am interested in getting all of the developed world to take part in overseas aid, in a step to lessen the many burdens faced by those living in poverty stricken countries. Around the world there are many very generous givers, who I greatly admire, but the truth is, we just aren't giving enough. The "Make Poverty History" campaign is aimed at this problem, and I am glad to see that pressure is being put on governments to increase their aid to overseas countries that are in great need. This is defiantly a step that needs to be taken by governments, as we all know how much these people really need our help.

The problem is that governments are faced with many more commitments closer to home, such as healthcare, education and public service. Because of this, they find it difficult to give substantial amounts to these countries in need, without making cutbacks in other areas, and this is often the main argument against giving large amounts of aid. I believe that governments should not be made to dip into these limited tax revenue funds, as it is true that commitments close to home restrict them from giving substantially. I propose a better alternative, which I believe that you, as a world citizen, have the power to make a reality.

I believe that the best way to get a unified commitment to world poverty from all people in all developed countries, is to get overseas aid implemented into their income tax systems, by adding at least an extra 0.5% to their current income tax rates. This money would go straight to overseas aid initiatives such as preventing poverty and medical programmes. I feel that this would eliminate the problem of governments not being able to give substantial amounts of money, due to important commitments in their own countries. This is because the amount of tax being spent on things close to home would remain the same, and there would be no need for cutbacks. The only difference would be that out of every $2000 being earnt by citizens, $10 would be going straight to an Aid program, which I think could efficiently be run as a new department within the U.N.

$10 in $2000, now to us that's not much is it? However, to people in need it can make a world of difference, not just in saving lives, but in greatly improving the quality of lives. I believe that the majority of people have the desire inside of them to help others, all they need is a viable option in order to do this. I believe that an increase in income tax is this viable option, and that referendums should be held worldwide, so that people can vote on such a tax change. All we need to do is to get developed countries to hold these referendums, and let the people decide. My main purpose in writing this letter, is to ask you all, will you please promote the idea of this tax increase using whatever tools you have at your disposal, and do your best to get it implemented around the World? You are the people, you have the power, and there is nothing stopping you from convincing governments to take this step in giving choice straight to the people. The power of the people is the greatest power of all, now let’s use it wisely for the good of all! Along with many other people around the World, I will be praying that we can all influence huge change, in order to finally make poverty history.

Thank you for your time, and best wishes,
Alex Clark.

live8

PETITION

2005-06-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

I am signing my name below to show my support towards adding an extra 0.5% to the current income tax rate, which will go straight to overseas aid programs involved in things such as poverty, aids and education.

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live8