The higher strategists of class war have long held that taxation could be more effective a weapon of revolution than a machine gun.
Last week the Russian-sponsored Berlin Municipal Council announced, among other "economic reforms," a new "rent tax." The tax was virtually equivalent to an expropriation of Berlin landlords.
The new levy, ostensibly to raise funds for the reconstruction of Berlin, amounts to 50% to 65% of their rents. From the balance of their receipts, landlords must pay income taxes, property upkeep, etc. If all the balance goes for such expenses, landlords may appeal for relief. Small property owners (whose property is...