Final Word from Thursday, September 19, 2002
When Hana Marvanová voted against Vladimír Špidla's tax package, many "millionaires" rejoiced. The idea of a tax increase had made some "rich" people want to run for cover. Marvanová is apparently still the only one who can prevent a higher top income-tax bracket. Some people who would be affected have the luxury of readjusting their own salaries to avoid paying more income tax. Others could set up or make more use of offshore structures or consulting companies. And some, like Jiří Březík of Prague, simply plan to quit working. This is reminiscent of Ayn Rand's controversial book, Atlas Shrugged. In it, when the best and the brightest got tired of the creeping socialism in America, they dropped out of society. Their inspiration came from the novel's highly principled hero, John Galt. Hana Marvanová has a bit of John Galt in her.