Thread

1. gammalost · 1790021462 · focus · HN ↗

   I get that it is a shame for you personally. Despite this I think high processing fees are good. First of all, it addresses the issue of people in the EU importing things we really do not need. Secondly, if it is something you really want then it can be imported at a noticible (but managable) premium. If the set of die are special, then paying 3 (or even 10) euro extra would, in my opinion, be fine

   1. xnx · 1790023712 · focus · HN ↗

      > it addresses the issue of people in the EU importing things we really do not need.

      How do you determine what someone does not really need?

      1. iamnothere · 1790024936 · focus · HN ↗

         “Democracy” — the same way they decide what you don’t need to say or think.
      2. guywithahat · 1790024938 · focus · HN ↗

         The determining factor seems to be if customers are willing to pay more for it. I can only imagine in time they’ll find rich people need many things, while the poor could have done without all along. Who knew

         1. gammalost · 1790025841 · focus · HN ↗

            Well yeah that's classic wealth inequality for you. A fee for import can only fix part of the problem.

            Are you arguing for a cap on the amount of stuff a private individual can import instead of a fee? I suppose it would be a bit more invasive, but it could work and be more equal.

      3. gammalost · 1790025551 · focus · HN ↗

         Well we (as private consumers) need things such as: food, clothes, entertainment, a place to live, energy.

         Things we do not need: kickstarter passion projects, temu trash, a very cool custom built split keyboard that broke after a few days. I'm not against the idea of small scale importing, I bought the super cool split keyboard afterall. But the unnecesary pleasures of life are a sometimes thing and deserves to be treated as such

         1. xnx · 1790026546 · focus · HN ↗

            Who is to judge "needs" from "unnecessary pleasures"? EU bureaucrats?

            1. gammalost · 1790027015 · focus · HN ↗

               I think you're just splitting hairs. Are you denying the fact that most of the stuff private indivduals buy from outside the eu is not a necessity?

               It is an issue and it needs to be addressed.

               1. graemep · 1790027661 · focus · HN ↗

                  Most of the stuff private individuals buy from within the EU is nit a necessity Most of the stuff private individuals buy is not a nescessity.

                  1. pixl97 · 1790027979 · focus · HN ↗

                     Ah, let's overthrow capitalism day.

                     1. graemep · 1790070544 · focus · HN ↗

                        Are you commenting on me or someone further up the thread?

                        I am favouring consumer choice which broadly pro-capitalist.

                        I interpret gammalost as favouring more heavily regulated capitalism. For one thing, the EU is very much pro-capitalist. For another many undoubtedly pro-capitalist governments do tax necessities at lower rates so its an extension of something that happens. The argument is whether it is desirable to extend it

               2. nozzlegear · 1790044120 · focus · HN ↗

                  > It is an issue and it needs to be addressed.

                  You haven't addressed how it's an issue outside of handwaving at China and landfills. Are European landfills particularly overflowing with items purchased from small businesses and made in China?

         2. ndkdkdkdmdkd · 1790026577 · focus · HN ↗

            [dead]

         3. graemep · 1790027546 · focus · HN ↗

            Why do you need entertsinment? Make your own. I think commercial entertainment us harmful to society as it competes with community involement for people's time. Passion projects are good for personal fulfilment and innovation.

            Basic food and shelter are necessities. Luxuries are not. You can survive in a hut eating gruel. I known nudists who think we would be better off without clothes.

         4. nozzlegear · 1790044298 · focus · HN ↗

            Is this an appeal to degrowth?
         5. account42 · 1790087784 · focus · HN ↗

            If you regret some past purchases you have made then do some introspection instead of everyone else pay a fee for your mistakes.

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