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Dozens of millionaires have signed a letter begging governments to tax more of their wealth as the world continues to struggle with the COVID-19 crisis.
Among the 83 signatories are two Disney heirs, Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield and the director Richard Curtis.
The majority of the names on the list are American, but there are also two Canadians: Claire and Sylvie Trottier.
Their letter opens by emphasizing that they are not caring for COVID-19 patients in hospital, nor driving ambulances, nor restocking stores.
“But we do have money, lots of it,” it goes on.
“Money that is desperately needed now and will continue to be needed in the years ahead, as our world recovers from this crisis.”
The authors ask that “our governments raise taxes on people like us. Immediately. Substantially. Permanently.”
They go on to list many of the problems caused by the virus and the economic shutdowns ordered in response to it in many countries.
“The problems caused by, and revealed by, COVID-19 can’t be solved with charity, no matter how generous,” the letters adds.
“Government leaders must take the responsibility for raising the funds we need and spending them fairly.
“We can ensure we adequately fund our health systems, schools, and security through a permanent tax increase on the wealthiest people on the planet, people like us.”
It concludes that “humanity is more important than our money.”
“So please. Tax us. Tax us. Tax us. It is the right choice. It is the only choice.”