Sunday, November 28, 2010

'Robin Hood' in those days

In this fictitious yet seemingly true movie, John was coronated as the King, after his brother, King Richard, died in the war. King John was an arrogant and selfish leader who showed no remorse to his poor Kingdom and demanded harsh taxes to be collected. He sent Sir Godfrey off to the North with the task of 'raising revenue'. As Sir Godfrey uses this Royal Decree to stir up enough unrest, he shouts loudly to the villagers - 'In the name of King John, PAY or BURN'.
Life must have been harsh those days. Their grains were being taxed and survival became a daily battle. The poor got poorer whilst the royal kingdom continued to bask in the takings from the poor. Life must have been bitterly unfair too.

I am just thankful that we live in fair society led by upright officials. The poor do not have to pay taxes whilst the rest of the society pay their fair share of taxes according to their financial status. The poor are on financial assistance schemes whilst the rich are encouraged to donate their earnings. There is no need for a 'Robin' in today's society. The problem though is - I am neither rich nor poor - so what can I do?

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