From: wdrb-AT-siva.bris.ac.uk
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 1996 14:05:14 GMT
To: marxism-AT-jefferson.village.virginia.edu
CC: wdrb-AT-siva.bris.ac.uk
Subject: Tax


At the last meeting of the Bristol Marxist Forum we tried to discuss
recent developments in the world economy. During the discussion
we touched upon the question of taxation and state spending.
Somebody said that Marx considered all taxation to be surplus 
value. This reminded me that when I read Capital I was surprised
at the lack of discussion of the economic activities of the state. Given
that there is much talk these days about tax, public spending,
welfare benefits and budget defecits I was dissapointed 
that these phenomena were not analysed in more depth.

Perhaps I missed the part of Capital where the economic role of
the state was analysed. Perhaps during Marxs life the economic
role of the state was much more limited. Perhaps there are other
Marxists who have dealt with these matters more thoroughly.

Am I right in thinking that tax (even income tax) has to be 
considered as surplus value since it is collected and 
disposed of by the state which is an expression of the political
will of the collective ruling class? And that even progressive
state spending (such as childrens hospitals)
 must therefor be considered as the suplus value
disposed of by the ruling class for its own ends? Im also
hazy when it comes to the actions of the state when it borrows
on the capital markets. What is going on here - is it about the
relationship between different sections of the ruling class
or about their domination over us?

any help on these matters would be appreciated

will brown   bristol


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