[Merv and Sharon]

The 'politics of envy' is one of the strongest weapons in the politicians' armoury. When ever they are trying to avoid an issue, such as paying health benefits, maternity support, disability pensions, or in this case a tax on carbon emissions, they start a process of convincing those disadvantaged, that some other disadvantaged person or group is getting a bit more than they are, or something for nothing. Thus ensuring that the various groups turn on each other, are disunited and unable to mount any real pressure on the politicians ... It always works.

AS Dimis suggests, in good government, taxes=services. I have lived in both Sweden and Norway and they pay huge taxes, but have outstanding public services. However, I could not live under that regime as the cost of everything is so high. We are fortunate to live in a lower tax environment, even if we do whinge about the lack of some services.