Bill Gates Is a Founder of Microsoft and the World's

question 104

Essay

Bill Gates is a founder of Microsoft and the world's richest individual. Suppose Microsoft sells more software and Mr. Gates acquires another billion dollars in wealth. Simultaneously, suppose a burglar whose income is well below average broke into Bill Gates' house and stole a million dollars' worth of antiques. Using the "it's not fair if the rules aren't fair" approach to fairness, is Mr. Gates' acquisition of additional wealth fair? Is the (poor) thief's acquisition fair?

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Definitions:

Canada Revenue Agency

The federal agency responsible for administering tax laws and various social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system in Canada.

Tax Exempt

Describes income, property, or transactions that are legally free from tax liability.

Common Equity

The amount of ownership in a corporation that is held by common shareholders, represented by the value of common stock plus retained earnings.

Year-end Balance Sheets

Financial statements detailing a company's assets, liabilities, and equity at the end of a fiscal year.