Not only was he in favor of it, but the concept in modern times originates with him. Even in his early writings he makes reference to it, but in Rights of Man and Agrarian Justice it becomes a central tenet in his philosophy of government. Paine says that no one should live in a condition worse to that of life before civilization. Any one who does, (the poor, the infirm, the aged, the young starting out) must be compensated by the government for the loss of their natural right to the wealth of the land. He believed that wealth has been seized by the landlord and merchants classes from the classes that produce it (the mechanics and farmers). A progressive tax to redistribute that wealth was his solution.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 02:27:56 +0000
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