Kicking the Golden Goose

             In the class discussions we see both the hints, preferences, and in some cases prejudices in the assigned readings as well as well as in ourselves as the discussion took form. This was especially the case in the article pertaining to upward income redistribution, and though Baker's thought had some logical elements its abrasive nature rubbed many the wrong way on all sides of the political spectrum. Bakers argument of how," the conservatives paint the progressives as wanting to tax the winners in society in order to reward the losers" as well as," the right being portrayed as the champions of hard work and innovation while progressives are the champions of the slothful and incompetent" is clever  and well written, but fails to completely address the issue. Coming from a state only as poor as it is proud, I can understand the frustration of people struggling financially and even can see why in desperation people can justify the increased taxation of the rich. This looks probable and beneficial on paper, but in my simple rural understanding of the world, I believe that if you kick the golden goose enough, he will go lay eggs elsewhere. Lets look at the French for example, who since the implementation of their "millionaire" tax in which after one makes 1 million euros  ($1.4 million U.S.) a 75 % levy on all profits exceeding this point is placed. These people are, regardless of how we personally regard them, the financial leaders, innovators, investors, and potential bosses, and the most able to leave a place to seek citizenship elsewhere if they feel their best interests are not being made. Because of this tax an estimated 300,000 French are leaving the country before it is all said and done, and with them some the country's best hope for financial success. In a time of financial drought a farmer must refrain from kicking  his best tools out of frustration because when the time of plentiful harvest comes they might be broken. Or in concluding layman's terms, Please do not kick the golden goose, it is just not worth it.