The expected backlash to Jessica Irvine’s pro-land tax article arrived in today’s letters to THE AGE editor.  The super-wealthy will now join in to cry crocodile tears for asset-rich income-poor people.

No, Jessica Irvine was not saying we should kick oldies out of their homes but that, in some cases, a land tax may act as an incentive for some older people to re-assess their situation. If you’re happy in your house in your present position, you should most certainly remain in it, because it’s yours.  But community-generated land rent is not yours, you see?

So we should not let the exceptions make the rule.  We still need to introduce an all-in land tax because we’ve been taxing productivity to a standstill and rewarding land speculation, so we desperately need a tax that remedies this situation and abolishes much of the deadweight costs on labour and capital.  I’m sure you understand that’s for the greater good, letter-writers?

We’ll continue to look after you in your homes, grandma and grandpa. You deserve it!