Quote from riskaddict:
"How much does it cost our economy to move around this much financial paper each and every day? Let us assume that the fees, commissions, and so on paid to the financial system for all this frenetic activity amount to one percent. (An October 2003 study conducted by John P. Hussman, President of Hussman Investment Trust, found that the costs to the funds he manages actually amounted to approximately 1.87%; scroll down to the bottom.)
So, one percent of three trillion a day is $30 billion in commissions / fees / bonuses, etc., paid to the financial system for all that paper being shoved around. $30 billion a day going to the financial system in fees and commissions? Couldnât that be used instead to pay 600,000 (six hundred thousand) jobs paying $50,000 a year?"
Taken ten days of trading away from the financial markets, and we can pay for six million jobs. Six. Million. Jobs.
Even if these numbers are accurate what would these people be doing? Creating a bureaucratic nightmare for citizens and business people? I also think that all those financial institutions employ quite a few people themselves. This is a really interesting problem. It seems like technology is to blame for much of this country's problems. Technology contributes to the crazy hft phenomenon it also makes businesses so productive we just don't need as many workers. I have no problem paying taxes as long as I understand what I get for my money, safe borders and defense of constitutional rights, a quality education system, fair commerce, safe drinking water and infrastructure, maybe affordable health care etc. 2 outta 5 ain't bad I guess. It would be so easy if we could just freeze time and start from scratch without a two party political system. If the American people are outraged enough about large speculators why not just slap regulations on them to limit the size and scope of their influence. I can't see how taxing them into oblivion would be any better since those tax dollar would just be pissed away. Wouldn't some of those quality of life factors I mentioned be easier to manage on a state level? Why not have a low flat federal tax and let each state create there own system that works for them. This country is so large and diverse it seems crazy to think a few hundred politicians know what would be best for us. I'll stop rambling now and thanks for posting the interesting blog at least it makes people think. Lower taxes might not help the majority of Americans but I can't see how higher taxes help them either until our leaders can spend the tax dollars they already receive in an efficient manner and there is proof we actually get something for our money.