HIDDEN WEALTH AND TAX HAVENS

Economic  reports, economic  planning, economic theories are not objects for my daily activities because figures , business  matters, money making activities are boring – too boring but important studies if you want to make a better life for people. We are facing economic problems in Europe, Africa and USA. We are asking questions why the situation is complicated? Experts in business matters are educated from the best universities in the world. Facts, figures, future plans and above all: Recommendations published as statements from the experts to make the world better?No. Sorry.

Facts, figures, investments, money making are still objects for those who want more. Some future planners are more concerned about how to make more money without any responsiblility for the living standard of the poorest of the poor but the living standard for the richest of the rich. Political parties worldwide have not taken the issues as a matter of importance. No objections so far?

How do I know who prefers reading novels, military history, and viewing movies on my sparetime?The answer is a small book. 122 pages only. But the content of the small book is a wake up call for those of you who fights against any support for making the poorest of the poor a little bit richer.

The title is: ” The Hidden Wealth of Nations: The Scourge of Tax Havens ”. The French title is: ” La richess cachee des nations.Enquete sur les paradis fiscaux”. The book is published in 2015.

The writer of the book is, Gabriel Zuckman. He is French, working for Berkely University in USA and educated in economics.

When I worked for the Norwegian Agency for International Develeopment(NORAD) from 1972 to 1976 we focued much on the power of the mulitinational companies and their approach to the development of developing countries. Studies of the economic policy of some countries whose policy was to assist companies in paying less tax were on the agendas on seminars and meetings.

The small book deals with complicated economic questions with reference to how to reduce the paying of tax for  companies and for some rich men and women. I am not an expert in the field but I want to a better world for more people not only some rich companies and individuals.No. Are we facing a modern way of robbing the banks? During the Second World War different resistance groups in Norway had to rob banks to get money for the resistance work. The bank robbers were nice and polite people who robbed the banks in a nice way without shooting. The aim of the robbing was made clear to the heads of the banks: Economic support to the resistance work fighting the German occupants of Norway.

The heads of the international banks are nice people too, well educated, behaving  and treating people in a polite way. The same men and women are also active in robbing money from countries where people need to improve the standard of living.The book is dealing with why and how international banks are assisting companies and individuals in reducing  tax payment. The work is not legal. Countries like USA is getting less money for the people of USA due to the smart heads of the banks.

I cannot make a statement that I think all information given by the writer is correct. But I believe that he is making an attempt to wake up some politicians who are complaining about the lack of money for a  better health care, better schools and more new jobs in USA  including Norway. The business of tax reductions of some countries must finish. So far, the work is not on the agenda at all. Make the world better and pay for it.
Finally:A quotation taken from the foreword of the book written by Thomas Piketty: "...If you are interested in injustice, global justice and the future of democracy..." you should read this book.
I agree. Read the book and do something about the injustice in the world. Good luck!