On The General Relativity Of Fiscal Language

Topics:
Taxes
Tags:
Finance,
Financial Planning,
Free Trade,
Illusion,
Measure,
National Bureau Of Economic Research,
Operational Accounting,
Payment,
Taxes
Source:
National Bureau of Economic Research

FREE Registration is required

Overview: A century ago, everyone thought time and distance were well defined physical concepts. But neither proved absolute. Instead, measures/reports of time and distance were found to depend on one's reference point, specifically one's direction and speed of travel, making the apparent physical reality, in Einstein's words, "Merely an illusion." Like time and distance, standard fiscal measures, including deficits, taxes, and transfer payments, depend on one's reference point/reporting procedure/language/labels. As such, they too represent numbers in search of concepts that provide the illusion of meaning where none exists. This paper provides a general proof that standard fiscal measures, including the deficit, taxes, and transfer payments, are economically ill-defined. Instead these measures reflect the arbitrary labeling of underlying fiscal conditions.

(Is this item miscategorized? Does it need more tags? Let us know.)

Format: PDF | Size: 181KB | Date: Jun 2006 | Pages: 18


advertisement
  • Click Here
  • Click Here
  • Click Here

Returning users: Log In Here!

Already registered on BNET, TechRepublic, or ZDNet? Simply log in.

Free Membership: Sign Up Now!

Sign up for a free membership today and get instant and unlimited access to one of the largest databases of white papers, webcasts, and casestudies anywhere. Your FREE membership allows you to:

  • Download an unlimited amount of content, including classic and current white papers, case studies, webcasts and more
  • Track content on your chosen topics of interest
  • Receive targeted email alerts when your favorite content is added
  • Save content for future reading
  • Receive our member newsletter

When you register to access this directory, you become a member of BNET. In addition, you allow us to share your information with companies that produce products or services featured in the library--so that such companies may contact you with information and offers regarding their products and services. This enables us to keep the library a free service. As a directory registrant, you will receive a complimentary subscription to the BNET member newsletter, The BNET Report. You can unsubscribe from this newsletter at any time. By clicking the Sign up button, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understand our Privacy Policy (updated).