Thread

1. cuzezzzbbfofai · 1790286605 · focus · HN ↗

   I hope we agree that we need more taxes, it doesn't matter if they are taxes on billionaires, taxes on property, taxes on sales, taxes on crypto, or taxes on the poor. Without taxes we can't have a civilized society.

   1. aeternum · 1790287150 · focus · HN ↗

      For a long time I agreed with you, but seeing how the tax money is spent I cannot agree any longer. In most cases government is no longer even spending the money itself, instead it is giving the money to NGOs.

      I would much rather see people keep more of their dollars and use them to 'vote' for the products and services that benefit them most, via their purchases.

      1. FridayoLeary · 1790287423 · focus · HN ↗

         Congragulations you have just rediscovered conservatism.

         1. kennyadam · 1790288317 · focus · HN ↗

            …and how to never have any large infrastructure projects like highways or just services that run at a loss while being essential like the EPA

            1. aeternum · 1790290185 · focus · HN ↗

               It would be interesting to run the counter-factual on the EPA. Lawsuits around pollution were already increasing significantly prior to the EPA even company vs. company.

               Would the resources have been better spent on a more efficient legal system, then leverage that?

         2. Terr_ · 1790288391 · focus · HN ↗

            [delayed]
      2. ks2048 · 1790289453 · focus · HN ↗

         How much of California's budget is "giving the money to NGOs"?
      3. chasd00 · 1790289656 · focus · HN ↗

         I’ve long thought if you doubled tax revenue or halved it the public services rendered would be the same. Tax revenue is not the problem.

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