2nd: So if I understand you correctly, you want to basically dismantle the federal government and just make the states run themselves? Because we seem to be running off the idea of abolishing the federal income tax which would basically unbudget the federal government. One possible issue that I see is states trying to compete for the types of citizens they want so they'll keep adjusting their tax codes around to get what they want, just lower taxes just to say "We lowered taxes!!!" in an election without any real care for what the state actually needs. Is that really a good idea?
I think this sort of reforming goes beyond just adjusting the tax code, though perhaps I am misunderstanding you. So please confirm. I also will admit to being a ignorant American and say I don't know anything about Scandinavia so I can't really respond to that, just saying this so I don't look like I'm ignoring what you said, I just don't have a response right now. I'm just an accounting student who saw something questionable in what you said regarding flat taxes vs a progressive system, so I'm not exactly the type to have deep conversations about worldly politics, so I'm arguing mostly from what I've learned from my studying of the tax code and what I've asked my professors regarding the tax code.
3rd: Because you're assuming people will just donate and not just amass money for themselves, or invest in something to amass more money, or just buy stupid shit. Their are plenty of things you can do with money, and to some people charity isn't one of the first 5 things that cross their mind unless they have a special attachment to a charity. I don't think what I'm saying is that unrealistic or pessimistic, maybe a generation or two later things might start to adjust to this mindset you're thinking of, but right now with how we currently think? I'm pressing X to doubt on that one.
I mean sure it is unfair from low to high on average though any amount of SALT is useful if you can itemize, though it highly depends on the rest of your itemized deductions for that year and what the standard deduction threshold actually is, but if that tax gets reduced to your federal taxes it is much easier to ask your citizens to give them more tax dollars. What if you actually need such high taxes to function without a reform of some sort, then the SALT is a means to lessen the burden on the people. Especially for the middle class, as the poor in my anecdotel experience don't pay much/any taxes in general so SALT is useless to them, who need deductions more than anyone and the rich if they actually are forced to pay can afford to pay basically any taxes they want.
Siden note, I don't know what "Democracy America" is referring to, could you point me in the right direction so I can at least understand what you're talking about?
2nd: I must have the hardest time in trying to communicate, and it’s not just you. The first page of this thread of having me be a dumb libertarian who wants no taxes. Yes, I want the federal government to get taxes, the reason why we had to void the “ Articles of confederation” and replace it with our current constitution was because the federal government was too weak and had no revenue. My argument is how the taxes are implemented.
3nd: we are going to have a difference in opinion. I don’t know why “the State” should hold your money until you decide to deduct it is beyond me to comprehend, but you do you. ( there must be something I don’t know)
And don’t get me wrong: roads need to be paved, First responders need to be paid, and schools need to be available. It’s just that it’s a whole lot easier to reach the mayor(and city council) then the President (and Congress) if the funds are miss managed.
So here is my big take, Was the first President to use income tax, to fund the civil war. A few decades later the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. The American people collectively said “ the income tax wasn’t that bad let’ Make it a Amendment. In comes the 16th (and 17th but that’s a different story) it only involved with the 2% of the population and it was only one sheet of paper. Now the tax code can fill a semitrailer and I am not joking.
So my rabbit hole: I use to be a meat head, Bushite singing “and i’m Proud to be an American” kind of idiot . Then I joined the Air Force. Then I left the Air Force as a disenfranchised angry libertarian. So I spent some time taking on “The Federalist Papers” and realized that a libertarian system is what I prefer, but I should not enforce that system on any city county or state I don’t live in. Which I guess it makes me a Federalist constitutionalist ( because we need labels on everything). So here I am making a post on Kiwi Farms I am shocked people are talking about it .
If you want to know how my mind was shaped in regards to taxes ,please The Federalist Papers: No.12, 30 to 36. A free Audio is on YouTube. It is also public domain so free copies can be found on the internet.
Ps. Democracy in America is written by Alexis De Tocqueville (1805-1859) and old book about his Observations of the American people. There’s both good and bad things he has to say about the United States and it’s half the size of the Bible. have fun
Pps. It’s also public domain etc. etc.
Ppps. I don’t want to come off like I know everything, but the Federalist Papers (wow!) it will blow your mind like a book of prophecy.
