It doesn't really matter where the tax is taken from, it will slow down that part of the economy. And at the same time, when the government spends the collected money, it will speed up that other part of the same economy. The overall effect is nil although there are some people who like Robin Hood think it is smart to rob the rich and pay the poor from the proceeds. These ends do not justify the means, whether the act is by a popular folk-hero (who died for his crime) or a national government who will simply loose votes due to it. We have no right to judge from whom to steal! But when our opportunity to earn is being held out of use by land-lords and land speculators as well as their associated banks, then we have the right to demand social justice. With the introduction of Land-Value Taxation instead of production-based income, purchase and corporate taxes, the system is stimulated by throwing more land into use and by the reduction of the tax brake on production and consumption. TAX TAKINGS NOT MAKINGS!