There are some basic needs that government must ensure a vast majority of its citizens have met. If these basic needs are not met a nation will soon be in violent turmoil. Our country is no different. Why do you think there is a vast number of people flooding our borders? We are starting to see unrest within our country and our political leaders are oblivious to what is happening. If we want improvement in our country, it is time that men and women of intellect and character put politics aside and address the problems facing our country now and the problems that are fast approaching. They can do this by educating the vast majority of our people. Our people do not need politicians to lie to them, they need educators to educate them. Stop playing games with political terms such as socialism, when you know damn well that social programs are not socialism. Do you think feeding, housing, and caring for the poor and sick is socialism? Let me remind you that we just celebrated the crucifixion and resurrection of a man who walk on this earth teaching of love and caring for the weak and the poor. Was he a socialist?
His teaching about love, caring for others, and treating others as you would want to be treated threatened the rich and powerful of his day, so they had him killed.
Yes...I agree...we have some serious issues that need to be addressed, and using labels like socialism is used as a manipulative tool to scare people and keep them from trying to make any changes to their government. I also agree that we need people of intellect and character. How do we find them and hire them, and keep them honorable while running the country?
We find these people in the universities, and in jobs dealing with national and international problems. We avoid using politicians since most of these people have political and personal agendas. A tax-exempt organization can be formed which could hire these intellectuals and honorable individuals on a part-time basis to write papers or make oral presentation pertaining to current issues. Presentation can be filmed and/or put on YouTube. I am sure obtaining funding would not be a problem, I would be willing to make a yearly donation to such an organization. No, I am not wealthy, I am a retired Federal employee. I come in contact with people that are not educated on the issues facing our country and the world, they listen to the politicians.
Instead of imposing a monetary fine for working (income tax), why not instead expect people to contribute back to the system in proportion to the benefit received? Ideally, phase out the income tax entirely and replace it with a progressive wealth tax. (Start at perhaps half a percent for assets twice the poverty level)
Agreed. The reason the so called Republican party is running scared...they represent the rich and powerful and they get paid by them...so when Elizabeth Warren starts talking about taxing the rich...well...they think they better do something right away to protect themselves. They're right, but did we need to advertise so strongly what we want to do? They aren't telling us what they want to do...Mitch McConnell isn't saying anything but I think we have a pretty good idea...and it isn't Democratic. So...why on earth is it okay to allow them to rig the voting system and then win an election...and we aren't doing something about it now? They shouldn't even be allowed to have elections if they are going to cheat. Cheaters are kicked out...no waiting....my motto...LOL. No, seriously. Democrats appear to be so helpless and not doing what they need to do (as far as I can tell) to make things right. If we wind up with an authoritarian government it will be because we hired the wrong people to represent us...and likely the system isn't working the way it should...maybe it never did if people can take advantage of it. Laws? What are those? Where are they? What's taking so long to hold people accountable? Garland needs to do something NOW to let us know he's actually doing his job. Maybe he needs an "overseer" to make sure because it isn't fair to the American people to be in la la land about our future...whether we will have one or not that is. LET'S GET SOME MORE LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT NOW SO WE CAN ACTUALLY FOLLOW THROUGH WITH WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO IN TAXING THE WEALTHY.
Well said! Come on Democrats! Do it!!! It’s your chance to prove that you’re doing something good! Or else we can just say - you’re all the same, … please don’t disappoint the people who voted for you, thinking you can at least make a difference!
I believe there's one fact concerning the wealthiest members of our society that we should keep in mind namely: Our wealthiest citizens live their entire lives in a Gilded Age, as did their ancestors before them and as will their children and grandchildren. The wealthy have accumulated so much wealth for so long that they will be able to keep opulent lifestyles going no matter what happens to middle and lower income people. By raising taxes on the wealthiest individuals, we will not force them to sacrifice as they have moved far beyond the reality of sacrifice and sharing. The tax we collect and try to redistribute more fairly among others in society will not bring about anything such as the End of the Gilded Age. Let's all keep that in mind as we attempt to return to a more level playing field for most of us.
you wrote: The wealthy have accumulated so much wealth for so long that they will be able to keep opulent lifestyles going no matter what happens to middle and lower income people.
i reply: this may not necessarily be true. if no one has any money, no one can buy the things these obscenely wealthy oligarchs rely upon to support their gilded lives. no food, no clothes, no shoes, no medical care ... i know this won't happen for a looong time, and i know that most lower & middle income people will be dead from the combined effects of starvation, poisoned water, no medical care, homelessness, etc., but this will happen ... eventually.
With climate destruction there may not be all that much time. The obscenely wealthy may find it hard to buy a safe place to live! Food may not grow, water may not be potable. Fires, floods and crazy temperature extremes could get life threatening.
I think you have to take a look at what happened during previous Gilded Ages. And remember that the wealth accumulated for generations can easily outlast any hard times for the majority of the population. When Theodore Roosevelt decided to try to level the playing field, to break up monopolies, to raise taxes on the wealthy, and to support unionization, he did not succeed in disturbing a life style that had moved far beyond the power of the government (and his power) to stop it. Those living an opulent life-style did not lose their foothold on the life style. They were no longer dependent on the needs of ordinary working people as they had created a bubble in which the lived. Similarly, Roosevelt's cousin (FDR) tried to offer a New Deal to working people in a time of great almost universal stress, deprivation, and poverty. He managed to provide a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities for the many hit by the Great Depression...things were better for many and some even joined the middle class. But beyond FDR's efforts for the majority were the people still living in the bubble and for them life had not changed, at least not in a negative direction. The Gilded Age just kept right on being gilded. I think it's hard to imagine a situation where there hard no Gilded Age people who seem remote from the struggles of most. That may be because the Gilded Age people are always with us (no matter the situations and hardships, war and disease, class warfare, corruption, power-struggles, we all face.) The sheer wealth the GIlded Age people have created successfully removes them to their bubble and it's there they will dwell...come hell or high water for the rest of us.
Interesting thoughts. One of the current problems with having very wealthy people is that they have so much more power than everyone else, that it is difficult to have a truly fair system because the system can be manipulated by them. What to do about that? Lacking other terms for it, I think America, as a nation, has a certain mindset that in some ways has been very good for the country, but also has it's downsides. The good aspect is the entrepreneurial spirit and to be rewarded for your efforts. The downside is the wealth at all costs attitude and the power that comes with it. This is "true" entitlement at the expense of others. It isn't social security because we paid into that.
You also have your share of interesting thoughts! And I happen to agree with them whole-heartedly. Much of our success is due to the fact that individuals have had a chance to create something new, to offer new and improved ways of doing things, to make the world better for others as well as themselves...and there is nothing inherently wrong with this unless the innovators and progressive creators lose sight of "the others" and come to think of their innovations as beneficial to themselves alone. You might want to check out the series on the Roman Empire currently running on netflix.com. The three emperors considered ruled Rome more than 2000 years ago yet the series is remarkably up to date and topical, mainly because each emperor (Commodus, Caesar, Caligula) fell into the trap of wealth and power. (The end result for them personally was the same: assassination by their own followers.) Each emperor was dependent on a large number of underclass workers (slaves from wars; non-Roman citizens; criminals). These under-class workers were able to carry out the impressive infrastructure programs of the Romans in the higher class; we could spend hours marvelling at the infrastructure and engineering programs carried out.) However, while the physical side of Roman society was attaining ever grander heights, the social structure was crumbling and, eventually, the emperor's support caved in and he was assassinated. We could be watching (or are watching) the Roman Empire play out again in real-life, mainly because the same drive for wealth and power seems to be inherent...I do not know if we will avoid the destruction of our own version of the Empire because we are aware of what is happening or that we will act against it. (In my more pessimistic moments, I tend to think we are doomed and will end up reliving the last days of Empire rather than just watching it on a screen!)
I empathize. I like being optimistic but this struggle shouldn't be so difficult. The problems usually lie with a small group of people behind the scenes sabotaging everything in order to control everything. We need to identify them and hold them accountable. The fact that Fox News is still on the air says a lot. What exactly is going on that allows this to continue? Free speech? I don't think so. Should we have to sue everyone who abuses their trust? No. Perhaps we can have one law that makes it clear that if you lie and it causes harm you have to make amends or be taken off the air. Or better; I don't think free speech should include people repeatedly lying to the public in order to gain power. It may not be obvious that anyone is hurt but the whole of society is hurt and seems more and more people think they have discovered a new way to get their way and it's just irresponsible. Mistakes may happen but repeat offenders should not be allowed to continue speaking to the public to promote their lies.
I am currently retired. I was a case manager for Social Services. I love to help others. Did I have the best paying job; FAR FROM IT! Even with everything that had to be done, I was considered a peon! Now, I receive my pension. It’s not a set you up for life amount of money. I had an option to stop paying taxes. HOWEVER, I STILL GLADLY PAY TAXES! It’s for the same reason you do Mr. Reich; I want to continue the responsibility of participating in our society. Hell, someone’s got to do it, why not me! It helps our society. My situation makes it possible to be able to do this. But things have got to change. I completely support President Biden’s plan. Having more wealth SHOULD NOT mean you are taxed less. Whatever brings this wealth should be taxed! THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!
I've never resented paying my fair share of taxes, I know that those dollars help our country in many positive ways. I do resent, however, how the wealthy manipulate their riches to avoid paying a dime while enjoying the benefits our country has to offer paid by all of us. I happily signed the petition, now let's tax them, It's long overdue.
It’s thoroughly repulsive to me how this can be. I cannot stand these uber-wealthy guys. I think of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and at least they do some good for others in the world instead of flying into space with their “big boy” toys. Beyond disgusting to me 🌻
I don't know that Bill and Melinda are always putting their money in the best places. Because the rich have a lot of money and some of them spend their money on "philanthrophy," they can also make bigger mistakes by investing in things that seem helpful but may actually harmful. For example: Feed the poor with GMO food which may or many not be good.
It'll be great if philanthropy is discussed in the course in the next few weeks (it goes hand-in-hand with the topic of inequality of wealth that was presented); 'Giving 2.0: The MOOC' is a great starting point for learning about philanthropy...
Yes, per the comment from '2denise.michelle' it's "not-so-simple"... but valuing transparency & accountability to the public is the only way to assure we aren't in the darkness of an America from 100+ years ago (it may be "disgusting" - but 'Wealth and Poverty' i.e. learning about the public policy prescription(s) for the same, is why we're subscribed & posting, yeah?)...
Done! I signed and also Tweeted. The tax rate after teaching a lifetime $ of billion should be 99-100%! We can all have medical care and affordable/free education if these multi-billionaires paid a fair share. This is criminal, in my opinion, to allow wealth one cannot spend in 12 lifetimes when people have basic needs not met!
Agree. The billionaire class seems to view the ability and willingness to avoid or evade taxes as a status symbol. This should stop. It's time that our leaders stop making taxes a bogeyman.
It’s the bought and paid for politicians who do what their rich donors want who trash taxes. I have stopped thinking of politicians as “leaders.” They are followers, just chasing after current trends.
I totally agree with you and your suggestion. Most people agree with you certainly on tax issues. But, how will that make the Republican congressmen and senators to do something about it?
Duke it out verbally with a few billionaires on LinkedIn. They are powerful and adamantly opposed and get enormous support from the business community that hopes this dynamic will make them wealthy one day. Hoarding is happening at the intersection of business and government so engage where if might be effective. I am not anti-business but our nation needs balance.
So, yes, we will call Manchin and Sinema and Schumer and maybe Mark Kelly, like I did many, many times to support Build Back Better and the voting rights bills, which is right and proper as citizens. But, as in those cases, the Billionaire's Tax bill will be opposed by those citizens with great speech, greater influence, in short more money. And in our corrupt campaign finance and lobbying systems in America, the billionaire's will likely win. Of course no Republicans will support this tax, yet the blame for it failing to pass will be - driven by headlines in all journalistic outlets - placed squarely on Democrats. So it is in America. I will still do what I think is right, but I confess to little optimism for this measure or for much else in the American scheme of governance at this point.
My own view is that income and wealth taxes should be paid by everyone at levels appropriate to their income and wealth. That way everyone is contributing, everyone is seen to be contributing and everyone can take credit for and feel good about contributing to that civilised society for all referred to by Justice Oliver Wendell Jones. Maybe sounds a bit leftish, but if properly structured, I'd argue entirely in line with decent "One Nation" US Republican and UK Conservative thinking, albeit that "One Nation" concept being rather in deep freeze currently. Perhaps too we shouldn't forget the impact and interaction of income and wealth taxes with sales (value added in the UK) and local community taxes - I'm not sure we always get that balance right for the less privileged of us in society.
In most of Europe the Value Added Tax is close to 20% and this is a large junk of their tax revenue. This means that the extensive welfare state is shared burden of the middle and lower middle class. I am all for it, but just try this here. Imagine we would raise the sales tax (I realize this is not the value added tax, but similar) would be raised to 20% and it would be included in the price, so it becomes invisible. What would the reaction?
... because it is *extremely* efficient (there are no dodges!); also, it can be a policy prescription for extremely skewed behavior (e.g. soda taxes).
Definitely shouldn't be the only means of raising revenue for a given nation/state (as is common in the Middle East)... but also shouldn't be ruled out...
There are some basic needs that government must ensure a vast majority of its citizens have met. If these basic needs are not met a nation will soon be in violent turmoil. Our country is no different. Why do you think there is a vast number of people flooding our borders? We are starting to see unrest within our country and our political leaders are oblivious to what is happening. If we want improvement in our country, it is time that men and women of intellect and character put politics aside and address the problems facing our country now and the problems that are fast approaching. They can do this by educating the vast majority of our people. Our people do not need politicians to lie to them, they need educators to educate them. Stop playing games with political terms such as socialism, when you know damn well that social programs are not socialism. Do you think feeding, housing, and caring for the poor and sick is socialism? Let me remind you that we just celebrated the crucifixion and resurrection of a man who walk on this earth teaching of love and caring for the weak and the poor. Was he a socialist?
His teaching about love, caring for others, and treating others as you would want to be treated threatened the rich and powerful of his day, so they had him killed.
Yes...I agree...we have some serious issues that need to be addressed, and using labels like socialism is used as a manipulative tool to scare people and keep them from trying to make any changes to their government. I also agree that we need people of intellect and character. How do we find them and hire them, and keep them honorable while running the country?
We find these people in the universities, and in jobs dealing with national and international problems. We avoid using politicians since most of these people have political and personal agendas. A tax-exempt organization can be formed which could hire these intellectuals and honorable individuals on a part-time basis to write papers or make oral presentation pertaining to current issues. Presentation can be filmed and/or put on YouTube. I am sure obtaining funding would not be a problem, I would be willing to make a yearly donation to such an organization. No, I am not wealthy, I am a retired Federal employee. I come in contact with people that are not educated on the issues facing our country and the world, they listen to the politicians.
Great ideas.
Instead of imposing a monetary fine for working (income tax), why not instead expect people to contribute back to the system in proportion to the benefit received? Ideally, phase out the income tax entirely and replace it with a progressive wealth tax. (Start at perhaps half a percent for assets twice the poverty level)
We only pay an income tax because the wealthy oppose a tax on wealth.
Yes! Tax the billionaire’s wealth!
Agreed. The reason the so called Republican party is running scared...they represent the rich and powerful and they get paid by them...so when Elizabeth Warren starts talking about taxing the rich...well...they think they better do something right away to protect themselves. They're right, but did we need to advertise so strongly what we want to do? They aren't telling us what they want to do...Mitch McConnell isn't saying anything but I think we have a pretty good idea...and it isn't Democratic. So...why on earth is it okay to allow them to rig the voting system and then win an election...and we aren't doing something about it now? They shouldn't even be allowed to have elections if they are going to cheat. Cheaters are kicked out...no waiting....my motto...LOL. No, seriously. Democrats appear to be so helpless and not doing what they need to do (as far as I can tell) to make things right. If we wind up with an authoritarian government it will be because we hired the wrong people to represent us...and likely the system isn't working the way it should...maybe it never did if people can take advantage of it. Laws? What are those? Where are they? What's taking so long to hold people accountable? Garland needs to do something NOW to let us know he's actually doing his job. Maybe he needs an "overseer" to make sure because it isn't fair to the American people to be in la la land about our future...whether we will have one or not that is. LET'S GET SOME MORE LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT NOW SO WE CAN ACTUALLY FOLLOW THROUGH WITH WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO IN TAXING THE WEALTHY.
Well said! Come on Democrats! Do it!!! It’s your chance to prove that you’re doing something good! Or else we can just say - you’re all the same, … please don’t disappoint the people who voted for you, thinking you can at least make a difference!
I believe there's one fact concerning the wealthiest members of our society that we should keep in mind namely: Our wealthiest citizens live their entire lives in a Gilded Age, as did their ancestors before them and as will their children and grandchildren. The wealthy have accumulated so much wealth for so long that they will be able to keep opulent lifestyles going no matter what happens to middle and lower income people. By raising taxes on the wealthiest individuals, we will not force them to sacrifice as they have moved far beyond the reality of sacrifice and sharing. The tax we collect and try to redistribute more fairly among others in society will not bring about anything such as the End of the Gilded Age. Let's all keep that in mind as we attempt to return to a more level playing field for most of us.
you wrote: The wealthy have accumulated so much wealth for so long that they will be able to keep opulent lifestyles going no matter what happens to middle and lower income people.
i reply: this may not necessarily be true. if no one has any money, no one can buy the things these obscenely wealthy oligarchs rely upon to support their gilded lives. no food, no clothes, no shoes, no medical care ... i know this won't happen for a looong time, and i know that most lower & middle income people will be dead from the combined effects of starvation, poisoned water, no medical care, homelessness, etc., but this will happen ... eventually.
With climate destruction there may not be all that much time. The obscenely wealthy may find it hard to buy a safe place to live! Food may not grow, water may not be potable. Fires, floods and crazy temperature extremes could get life threatening.
I think you have to take a look at what happened during previous Gilded Ages. And remember that the wealth accumulated for generations can easily outlast any hard times for the majority of the population. When Theodore Roosevelt decided to try to level the playing field, to break up monopolies, to raise taxes on the wealthy, and to support unionization, he did not succeed in disturbing a life style that had moved far beyond the power of the government (and his power) to stop it. Those living an opulent life-style did not lose their foothold on the life style. They were no longer dependent on the needs of ordinary working people as they had created a bubble in which the lived. Similarly, Roosevelt's cousin (FDR) tried to offer a New Deal to working people in a time of great almost universal stress, deprivation, and poverty. He managed to provide a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities for the many hit by the Great Depression...things were better for many and some even joined the middle class. But beyond FDR's efforts for the majority were the people still living in the bubble and for them life had not changed, at least not in a negative direction. The Gilded Age just kept right on being gilded. I think it's hard to imagine a situation where there hard no Gilded Age people who seem remote from the struggles of most. That may be because the Gilded Age people are always with us (no matter the situations and hardships, war and disease, class warfare, corruption, power-struggles, we all face.) The sheer wealth the GIlded Age people have created successfully removes them to their bubble and it's there they will dwell...come hell or high water for the rest of us.
Interesting thoughts. One of the current problems with having very wealthy people is that they have so much more power than everyone else, that it is difficult to have a truly fair system because the system can be manipulated by them. What to do about that? Lacking other terms for it, I think America, as a nation, has a certain mindset that in some ways has been very good for the country, but also has it's downsides. The good aspect is the entrepreneurial spirit and to be rewarded for your efforts. The downside is the wealth at all costs attitude and the power that comes with it. This is "true" entitlement at the expense of others. It isn't social security because we paid into that.
You also have your share of interesting thoughts! And I happen to agree with them whole-heartedly. Much of our success is due to the fact that individuals have had a chance to create something new, to offer new and improved ways of doing things, to make the world better for others as well as themselves...and there is nothing inherently wrong with this unless the innovators and progressive creators lose sight of "the others" and come to think of their innovations as beneficial to themselves alone. You might want to check out the series on the Roman Empire currently running on netflix.com. The three emperors considered ruled Rome more than 2000 years ago yet the series is remarkably up to date and topical, mainly because each emperor (Commodus, Caesar, Caligula) fell into the trap of wealth and power. (The end result for them personally was the same: assassination by their own followers.) Each emperor was dependent on a large number of underclass workers (slaves from wars; non-Roman citizens; criminals). These under-class workers were able to carry out the impressive infrastructure programs of the Romans in the higher class; we could spend hours marvelling at the infrastructure and engineering programs carried out.) However, while the physical side of Roman society was attaining ever grander heights, the social structure was crumbling and, eventually, the emperor's support caved in and he was assassinated. We could be watching (or are watching) the Roman Empire play out again in real-life, mainly because the same drive for wealth and power seems to be inherent...I do not know if we will avoid the destruction of our own version of the Empire because we are aware of what is happening or that we will act against it. (In my more pessimistic moments, I tend to think we are doomed and will end up reliving the last days of Empire rather than just watching it on a screen!)
I empathize. I like being optimistic but this struggle shouldn't be so difficult. The problems usually lie with a small group of people behind the scenes sabotaging everything in order to control everything. We need to identify them and hold them accountable. The fact that Fox News is still on the air says a lot. What exactly is going on that allows this to continue? Free speech? I don't think so. Should we have to sue everyone who abuses their trust? No. Perhaps we can have one law that makes it clear that if you lie and it causes harm you have to make amends or be taken off the air. Or better; I don't think free speech should include people repeatedly lying to the public in order to gain power. It may not be obvious that anyone is hurt but the whole of society is hurt and seems more and more people think they have discovered a new way to get their way and it's just irresponsible. Mistakes may happen but repeat offenders should not be allowed to continue speaking to the public to promote their lies.
Amen! Preach it Brother Reich!
Kathleen Peterson
I prefer the Eisenhower tax rates, which were truly graduated and depended on income, no matter how high it might get. Ike had the right idea.
I'd like to know more about that. Any links?
Check it out here: https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2017/12/19/eisenhowers-tax-policies-invested-future-not/ideas/essay/ The rates topped out at 91%.
I’m trying to paste some in here but I can’t get the Paste command to come up. You can google historical tax rates and Eisenhower tax rates though.
Thank you.
I am currently retired. I was a case manager for Social Services. I love to help others. Did I have the best paying job; FAR FROM IT! Even with everything that had to be done, I was considered a peon! Now, I receive my pension. It’s not a set you up for life amount of money. I had an option to stop paying taxes. HOWEVER, I STILL GLADLY PAY TAXES! It’s for the same reason you do Mr. Reich; I want to continue the responsibility of participating in our society. Hell, someone’s got to do it, why not me! It helps our society. My situation makes it possible to be able to do this. But things have got to change. I completely support President Biden’s plan. Having more wealth SHOULD NOT mean you are taxed less. Whatever brings this wealth should be taxed! THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!
I've never resented paying my fair share of taxes, I know that those dollars help our country in many positive ways. I do resent, however, how the wealthy manipulate their riches to avoid paying a dime while enjoying the benefits our country has to offer paid by all of us. I happily signed the petition, now let's tax them, It's long overdue.
It’s thoroughly repulsive to me how this can be. I cannot stand these uber-wealthy guys. I think of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and at least they do some good for others in the world instead of flying into space with their “big boy” toys. Beyond disgusting to me 🌻
I don't know that Bill and Melinda are always putting their money in the best places. Because the rich have a lot of money and some of them spend their money on "philanthrophy," they can also make bigger mistakes by investing in things that seem helpful but may actually harmful. For example: Feed the poor with GMO food which may or many not be good.
It'll be great if philanthropy is discussed in the course in the next few weeks (it goes hand-in-hand with the topic of inequality of wealth that was presented); 'Giving 2.0: The MOOC' is a great starting point for learning about philanthropy...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giving_Pledge
Musk & MacKenzie Scott (Bezos' former spouse) are listed...
Sorry, I still find them cringeworthy and do not like them and their greed.
Yes, per the comment from '2denise.michelle' it's "not-so-simple"... but valuing transparency & accountability to the public is the only way to assure we aren't in the darkness of an America from 100+ years ago (it may be "disgusting" - but 'Wealth and Poverty' i.e. learning about the public policy prescription(s) for the same, is why we're subscribed & posting, yeah?)...
Done! I signed and also Tweeted. The tax rate after teaching a lifetime $ of billion should be 99-100%! We can all have medical care and affordable/free education if these multi-billionaires paid a fair share. This is criminal, in my opinion, to allow wealth one cannot spend in 12 lifetimes when people have basic needs not met!
Agree. The billionaire class seems to view the ability and willingness to avoid or evade taxes as a status symbol. This should stop. It's time that our leaders stop making taxes a bogeyman.
It’s the bought and paid for politicians who do what their rich donors want who trash taxes. I have stopped thinking of politicians as “leaders.” They are followers, just chasing after current trends.
You’re right. Having power and being a leader are not synonymous.
Well, stone me, let's just send our tax bills to Elon and Jeff.
I totally agree with you and your suggestion. Most people agree with you certainly on tax issues. But, how will that make the Republican congressmen and senators to do something about it?
You don’t. That’s why we have to get out the progressive vote.
Duke it out verbally with a few billionaires on LinkedIn. They are powerful and adamantly opposed and get enormous support from the business community that hopes this dynamic will make them wealthy one day. Hoarding is happening at the intersection of business and government so engage where if might be effective. I am not anti-business but our nation needs balance.
So, yes, we will call Manchin and Sinema and Schumer and maybe Mark Kelly, like I did many, many times to support Build Back Better and the voting rights bills, which is right and proper as citizens. But, as in those cases, the Billionaire's Tax bill will be opposed by those citizens with great speech, greater influence, in short more money. And in our corrupt campaign finance and lobbying systems in America, the billionaire's will likely win. Of course no Republicans will support this tax, yet the blame for it failing to pass will be - driven by headlines in all journalistic outlets - placed squarely on Democrats. So it is in America. I will still do what I think is right, but I confess to little optimism for this measure or for much else in the American scheme of governance at this point.
My own view is that income and wealth taxes should be paid by everyone at levels appropriate to their income and wealth. That way everyone is contributing, everyone is seen to be contributing and everyone can take credit for and feel good about contributing to that civilised society for all referred to by Justice Oliver Wendell Jones. Maybe sounds a bit leftish, but if properly structured, I'd argue entirely in line with decent "One Nation" US Republican and UK Conservative thinking, albeit that "One Nation" concept being rather in deep freeze currently. Perhaps too we shouldn't forget the impact and interaction of income and wealth taxes with sales (value added in the UK) and local community taxes - I'm not sure we always get that balance right for the less privileged of us in society.
Don’t apologize for being ”leftish.” That’s exactly what the right wants people to do. Being progressive is humanistic, generous, and brave.
In most of Europe the Value Added Tax is close to 20% and this is a large junk of their tax revenue. This means that the extensive welfare state is shared burden of the middle and lower middle class. I am all for it, but just try this here. Imagine we would raise the sales tax (I realize this is not the value added tax, but similar) would be raised to 20% and it would be included in the price, so it becomes invisible. What would the reaction?
Raises taxes on everyone when we need a targeted tax.
Sales tax is a regressive tax. Why would you want that?
... because it is *extremely* efficient (there are no dodges!); also, it can be a policy prescription for extremely skewed behavior (e.g. soda taxes).
Definitely shouldn't be the only means of raising revenue for a given nation/state (as is common in the Middle East)... but also shouldn't be ruled out...