"Instead of telling voters that taxes are a burden they need relief from, progressive Democrats should take a cue from the most popular senator in the country and discuss taxes as both a path to a better life and a civic duty. By educating Americans that taxes are repayment for income and wealth created through society’s legal, physical, and social structures, we can lay the groundwork for large tax increases on millionaires, billionaires, and capitalists to fund necessary public programs and depower the American oligarchy...Given that the “taxes bad!” message has been reinforced by most major politicians my entire life, progressives will face temporary hurdles as they start reframing taxation." - I fear educating low information voters (aka most of Americans) on how taxes will help them has not, and will not, work given where we are today. People are so distrustful of the ways our government spends our tax dollars. I can't imagine any pitch to increase taxes from your regular, less charismatic elected official will do much to persuade people because of the high level of distrust. I think this problem is way bigger than just a "temporary hurdle." I agree with the gist of the article, but I would like to hear real, serious thought on how progressives could actually go about changing voters' minds on taxes.
I think it starts with showing people what their taxes get them. Another part of this conversation is that Americans don't get good public services for taxation, because we spend it on other things. I think public investments in healthcare, infrastructure, and more would good along way to boost the support.
Social security checks go to very rich old folks, and I think this is the corollary to poor folks' participation in the income tax. I see where you are coming from; it is a valid argument. Participation is part of inclusion.
"Instead of telling voters that taxes are a burden they need relief from, progressive Democrats should take a cue from the most popular senator in the country and discuss taxes as both a path to a better life and a civic duty. By educating Americans that taxes are repayment for income and wealth created through society’s legal, physical, and social structures, we can lay the groundwork for large tax increases on millionaires, billionaires, and capitalists to fund necessary public programs and depower the American oligarchy...Given that the “taxes bad!” message has been reinforced by most major politicians my entire life, progressives will face temporary hurdles as they start reframing taxation." - I fear educating low information voters (aka most of Americans) on how taxes will help them has not, and will not, work given where we are today. People are so distrustful of the ways our government spends our tax dollars. I can't imagine any pitch to increase taxes from your regular, less charismatic elected official will do much to persuade people because of the high level of distrust. I think this problem is way bigger than just a "temporary hurdle." I agree with the gist of the article, but I would like to hear real, serious thought on how progressives could actually go about changing voters' minds on taxes.
I think it starts with showing people what their taxes get them. Another part of this conversation is that Americans don't get good public services for taxation, because we spend it on other things. I think public investments in healthcare, infrastructure, and more would good along way to boost the support.
Social security checks go to very rich old folks, and I think this is the corollary to poor folks' participation in the income tax. I see where you are coming from; it is a valid argument. Participation is part of inclusion.