13 Comments
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Claire Polders's avatar

Did you read Bregman’s books? I just finished his latest (Moral Ambition). I can recommend it and I’m thinking of what to do next. It’s one of those books that inspires action.

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Sara Eckel's avatar

On my nightstand!

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Irma Robles's avatar

How about "show me the money" or "share the wealth". Or Stop taxing seniors!

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David Roberts's avatar

As a ""rich" person, I prefer to be taxed than subjected to other methods used throughout history to correct excessive inequality.

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Sarah Best's avatar

In the UK, we had a ‘Liz Truss moment’ when she was briefly PM where it was proposed that taxes were cut and spending was increased. It didn’t end well for her.

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Marie Harrigan's avatar

I want a bumper sticker! Tax the Rich is perfect after the Senate’s vote yesterday.

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Sara Eckel's avatar

seriously!

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Janet Trull's avatar

Tax the rich. Simple. Philanthropy was once a great source of pride. A legacy for families who recognized their luck in life’s

random lottery. Hospitals, libraries, museums, scholarships. Contributing to the welfare of others has declined in favour of hedonism. The wealthy need a nudge right now. My home town is full of “philanthropists”who scrape by near the poverty line. But they still find five bucks to donate to kids camps, bake pies for school fundraisers, drop off a load of wood 🪵 for a neighbour during a cold winter.

We shouldn’t have to ask.

You’re smart. You know better. So go ahead and lead the parade for fair taxation policies.

The warm glow of admiration will feel pretty good.

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Sara Eckel's avatar

I once heard a Pro-Publica reporter explain why rich people will donate generously to charities but then lobby for tax cuts. He essentially said, When you're a philanthropist people are like, "Thank you kind sir, you are so good and wise and generous." With taxes, it's basically, "Here's what you owe and if you don't pay it you're going to jail."

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Spider Webbs's avatar

…. and that confuses you? Preferring consent and appreciation over force of violence is weird to you for some reason? Choosing to give to the arts and sciences over the war machine and politicians salaries seems offensive?

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Sara Eckel's avatar

It's the difference between a gift that is at someone's royal discretion, as opposed to simply paying your fair share.

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Bruce Temkin's avatar

Yes, and...It's not just about taxing the rich, but changing tax policy. The rich have best accountants, lawyers, etc.. who always game the system.

I think we need a better catchphrase than "tax the rich" (and "change the tax policy" isn't it...)

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Sara Eckel's avatar

Yes, for sure, the rich have so many advantages!

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