Wealthy Germans launch petition for higher taxes

Some rich Germans have launched a web petition to call for the resumption of a wealth tax to help the country bounce back from an economic crisis, because, as one said, he had "a lot of money I do not need."

The text, posted at www.appell-vermoegensabgabe.de, has been signed by 44 people who want to convince the government of newly re-elected Chancellor Angela Merkel to raise their taxes.

For retired doctor Dieter Lehmkuhl, 66, it is time the wealthy came to the aid of their country. He reckons that if the 2.2 million Germans who have personal fortunes of more than €500,000 ($750,000) paid a tax of five percent this year and next, it would provide the state with €100 billion.

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if they throw real cash in the air next time they might attract a few more interested parties...

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"BERLIN (AFP) – Some rich Germans have launched a petition to call for the resumption of a wealth tax to help the country bounce back from an economic crisis, because, as one said, he had "a lot of money I do not need."

The text, posted on the Internet at www.appell-vermoegensabgabe.de, has been signed by more than 40 people who want to convince the government of newly re-elected Chancellor Angela Merkel to raise their taxes.

For retired doctor Dieter Kelmkuhl, 66, it is time the wealthy came to the aid of their country.

He reckons that if the 2.2 million Germans who have personal fortunes of more than 500,000 euros (750,000 dollars) paid a tax of five percent this year and next, it would provide the state with 100 billion euros."

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I am certain that donations from such people will be welcome at any time.

Anybody is free to donate anything at anytime. We have free will. That ends when you tax.

My gold pen is in the shop. I'll sign it when it is fixed. One of the diamonds fell off.

Brilliant idea!Nowadays,when people are facing so many difficulties because of the economic crisis we all need to be more human.Let`s help each other in new inovative ways, but let do it the right way.If those wealthy Germans are serious in their intention they should find the right way to give their help/money to people in need without humiliating them.This is very important, otherwise just trowing false bancnotes to people sounds such as laughing at those leaving at the edge of poverty.Beeing poor is not a sin,but laughing at people in need it is!Let us see what exactly is those wealthy Germans intention............

well they can do whatever they want with the money... and if they feel like having too much, they can give me a little bit of if!
the life as foreigner student is not that easy here!!!

Philanthropy German style. I love the quote

"It's really strange that so few people came,"

I wonder why

perhaps, one can see it as the money that was not equally distributed in the first place! i'm not rooting for socialism, but some are filthy rich, whilst others are nowhere close.
i guess that's why people didn't come.
in addition, which 'non-rich' person like the rich to throw money at, right?
idea isn't bad, though.

It would bring in 100 billion euros if all those rich people stay in the country after they introduce this tax. Of course, many won't and they'll take their businesses with them when they leave. Suddenly a plus of 100 billion has turned into a minus of 100 billion.

This smacks of reverse psychology - if we go out there and tell them we'd be happy to pay more, they will no longer see us as the evil rich people and will then begin looking for a different target for their scorn. Let them eat cake!

Why would many not stay in Germany? I think they would stay.

They would not stay because they are already being over taxed compared to other countries that they could move to (Switzerland, Lichtenstein). The proposal is to tax them 5% of their wealth, which for some people could be tens of millions of euros. Put yourself in that situation - you're already over taxed, and they want even more. What do you do?

Also, don't consider the fact that you might be a socialist. None of these people are socialists - they wouldn't be so rich if they were.

What's the German for "Noblesse Oblige"?

K